Reaction to Death of Liverpool and Portugal Player Jota

People view tributes to soccer player Diogo Jota at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC in Liverpool, Britain 03 July 2025. (EPA)
People view tributes to soccer player Diogo Jota at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC in Liverpool, Britain 03 July 2025. (EPA)
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Reaction to Death of Liverpool and Portugal Player Jota

People view tributes to soccer player Diogo Jota at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC in Liverpool, Britain 03 July 2025. (EPA)
People view tributes to soccer player Diogo Jota at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC in Liverpool, Britain 03 July 2025. (EPA)

Following are quotes and reaction to the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain on Thursday:

LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB

"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

"We will continue to provide them with our full support."

LIVERPOOL MANAGER ARNE SLOT

"What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not.

"Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a work mate and in all of those roles he was very special.

"When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten."

FORMER LIVERPOOL MANAGER JUERGEN KLOPP

"This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.

"Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!"

PORTUGAL PRIME MINISTER LUIS MONTENEGRO

"The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports."

PORTUGAL AND AL-NASSR PLAYER CRISTIANO RONALDO

"It doesn't make sense. We were together just recently in the national team, and you just got married.

"To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you'll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We'll all miss you."

MANCHESTER UNITED AND PORTUGAL PLAYER BRUNO FERNANDES

"There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.

"I send all my strength to his family, from wherever he is I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children."

LA LAKERS PLAYER AND LIVERPOOL MINORITY OWNER LEBRON JAMES

"My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!"

FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO

"Aged 28, Diogo has enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at FC Penafiel - they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community."

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

"There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, non-fans, who will also be shocked by this.

"It is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends, for his family."

PORTUGUESE FOOTBALL FEDERATION PRESIDENT PEDRO PROENCA

"Portuguese football is devastated. The Portuguese federation, this generation of players are mourning. Diogo was what we all want to be, was a reference for Portuguese football, was a talent of his generation..."

LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN VIRGIL VAN DIJK

"Man, I can't believe it, I don't wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.

"My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family.

"A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch and to have been your friend off it."

REAL MADRID AND FORMER LIVERPOOL DEFENDER TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

"It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care about so much has gone.

"When it's less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend."

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

"We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten."

LIVERPOOL GREAT KENNY DALGLISH

"Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.

"Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre."

PORTUGAL PLAYER RUBEN NEVES

"They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you."

LIVERPOOL PLAYER DARWIN NUNEZ

"There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.

"I send all my strength to his family, from wherever he is I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children."

UEFA PRESIDENT ALEKSANDER CEFERIN

"Just three weeks ago, I had the honor of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.

"His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten."

PENAFIEL FC, ANDRE SILVA'S CLUB

"The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation.

"At this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared moments of life and passion for sport with Andre and Diogo.

"The club will declare official mourning and will pay tribute at its upcoming sporting events. Rest in peace."



PSG's Dembele Has Treatment for Leg Issue Before Champions League Final

PSG's Ousmane Dembele runs with the ball during the French League One soccer match between Lens and Paris Saint Germain, in Lens, northern France, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP)
PSG's Ousmane Dembele runs with the ball during the French League One soccer match between Lens and Paris Saint Germain, in Lens, northern France, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP)
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PSG's Dembele Has Treatment for Leg Issue Before Champions League Final

PSG's Ousmane Dembele runs with the ball during the French League One soccer match between Lens and Paris Saint Germain, in Lens, northern France, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP)
PSG's Ousmane Dembele runs with the ball during the French League One soccer match between Lens and Paris Saint Germain, in Lens, northern France, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP)

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele needs treatment for a right calf issue, the French club said Monday, ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal later this month.

The Ballon d'Or winner was substituted after half an hour during Sunday's 2-1 Ligue 1 defeat against Paris FC "as a precaution after experiencing some discomfort in his right calf," PSG said in a statement.

"Dembele will be having treatment over the next few days," the club added.

The 29-year-old did not appear to be struggling when he left the field and boarded the team bus after the match without limping.

"I think it is just due to fatigue," coach Luis Enrique told the press on Sunday.

"It has been a tricky end to the season but now we have two weeks to prepare for the biggest match in our history."

The former Barcelona player has suffered numerous physical setbacks this season, particularly thigh and calf issues.

Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi resumed individual training on Saturday after a thigh problem, as did Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, and Lucas Chevalier.

All three were unavailable for Sunday's match against Paris FC.

PSG clinched a fifth straight French title, and a record-extending 14th overall, with a 2-0 win over nearest challengers Lens last Wednesday.

Luis Enrique's side face Arsenal in Budapest on May 30, when they will attempt to retain the European crown they won for the first time in the club's history last season.


Iran Squad Arrives in Türkiye for Training amid World Cup Uncertainty 

Iran's players and staff pose ahead of a training session in Antalya in March © Adem ALTAN / AFP/File
Iran's players and staff pose ahead of a training session in Antalya in March © Adem ALTAN / AFP/File
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Iran Squad Arrives in Türkiye for Training amid World Cup Uncertainty 

Iran's players and staff pose ahead of a training session in Antalya in March © Adem ALTAN / AFP/File
Iran's players and staff pose ahead of a training session in Antalya in March © Adem ALTAN / AFP/File

Iran’s national soccer squad landed in Türkiye for a training camp on Monday ahead of their planned trip to the US for the World Cup, with uncertainty still hanging over the team's participation after the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February. FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom told Reuters on Saturday that he held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran's FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj, expressing confidence about the country's participation in the World Cup.

The players and officials filed out of Antalya Airport in black team outfits, many pulling black suitcases, before heading to waiting buses to travel to their hotel at the training base in the nearby resort of Belek, where several national teams have held camps in recent years.

Iran are scheduled to play all three group matches in the United States but the team's participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the attacks by the US and Israel.

Iranian officials and FIFA have said US visa applications for the team would be handled in Türkiye. Uncertainty over the visas was fuelled after FFIRI's Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver this month because of his links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The US and Canada, who are co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC as a "terrorist entity" and have made clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.

Iran had asked for their World Cup matches to be switched to Mexico but FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.

Iran's squad is scheduled to move to their US base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona in early June.

Iran are scheduled to get their World Cup campaign under way against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to play Belgium and Egypt in Group G.


Fernandes ‘Proud’ to Match Premier League Assists Record

 Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates their victory at the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP)
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates their victory at the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP)
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Fernandes ‘Proud’ to Match Premier League Assists Record

 Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates their victory at the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP)
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates their victory at the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP)

Bruno Fernandes said he was proud to match the Premier League assists record jointly held by "main names" Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne and is now targeting top spot on the charts.

The 31-year-old helped Michael Carrick's men wrap up third place by setting up Bryan Mbeumo for United's third goal in their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The Portuguese midfielder is just the third player to provide 20 assists in a Premier League season, joining Arsenal great Henry (2002/03) and Manchester City star De Bruyne (2019/20) in an elite bracket.

"Obviously I'm very proud," Fernandes said on the Old Trafford touchline.

"We're speaking about Thierry and Kevin, two of the main names of the Premier League, and for me I'm very grateful and I'm very happy to do it. It's a very proud moment."

Fernandes, named as United's player of the year for a record-breaking fifth time, now has the chance to reach 21 assists in Sunday's season finale at Brighton.

"Let's see," he said. "It doesn't change the way I play my game, so I will still have to create things for my team, and hopefully it can happen.

"But if it doesn't happen, I'm already very happy because I've never done 20 assists in the Premier League. I've never done 19 either, so even if I had finished with 19, I would be very happy."

The United captain was mobbed when Mbeumo converted his cross in the 76th minute, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens joining every United outfield player in celebrating a record he claims he only started thinking about when he collected his 19th assist.

"I'm very grateful to see their reaction more than mine because I wanted Bryan to celebrate his goal," Fernandes added.

"I didn't want to make it about myself because at the end of the day scoring the goal is the biggest thing in football and all credit to Bryan because if he doesn't put it in the back of the net, my record will not be there."