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."



Rodrygo Scrapes Real Madrid Win at Alaves

Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Rodrygo secured the visitors a much-needed victory at Alaves. ANDER GILLENEA / AFP
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Rodrygo secured the visitors a much-needed victory at Alaves. ANDER GILLENEA / AFP
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Rodrygo Scrapes Real Madrid Win at Alaves

Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Rodrygo secured the visitors a much-needed victory at Alaves. ANDER GILLENEA / AFP
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Rodrygo secured the visitors a much-needed victory at Alaves. ANDER GILLENEA / AFP

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes's goals earned Real Madrid a tense 2-1 win at Alaves in La Liga on Sunday to potentially keep coach Xabi Alonso in his job.

Second-placed Madrid trimmed league leaders Barcelona's advantage back to four points and recorded only their third victory in the last nine games across all competitions.

After a home defeat by Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, Spanish media reported that anything but a victory would cost Alonso his position, AFP said.

After Mbappe's superb opener, Carlos Vicente pulled Alaves level in the second half, but Rodrygo secured the visitors a much-needed victory at Mendizorroza stadium.

"It was a hard-fought game, we competed well, got in front and then lost a bit of control," Alonso told reporters.

"Alaves play with a lot of intensity, it's hard to dominate throughout. We came here to win and we got the three points."

The coach said, as he did after the City game, that he has the support of his squad.

"We're all together in this. One game isn't enough to change the dynamic," he said.

"Now before the winter break we have a cup game on Wednesday, and a game at home (in La Liga to come)."

Alonso was able to bring his key player, Mbappe, back into the side after he could only watch the defeat by City from the bench because of a painful knee.

The coach also handed a debut to Victor Valdepenas at left-back, with both Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia suspended, and Ferland Mendy one of several players out injured.

Mbappe appeared to be feeling his knee and also hobbling in the first few minutes but, despite that, was the game's most influential player.

The forward had a shot deflected wide and then fired narrowly over as Alaves sat deep and tried to keep the 15-time European champions at bay.

By the time Mbappe opened the scoring in the 25th minute, his discomfort seemed to have cleared up.

Released by Jude Bellingham, Mbappe drove towards goal at full tilt and whipped a shot into the top right corner for his 17th league goal of the campaign.

England international Bellingham then blasted home from close range but his strike was ruled out for handball.

Needing to fight back, Alaves moved on to the front foot and took control of the game before the break, almost pulling level.

Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a fine save with his head, even if he knew little about it, to deny Pablo Ibanez from close range.

Tight battle

Los Blancos were dangerous again soon after the interval, with Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera saving well from Mbappe and then Vinicius Junior.

Real came to rue those misses when Vicente pulled Alaves level after 68 minutes.

The forward got in behind Antonio Rudiger, controlled former Madrid midfielder Antonio Blanco's chipped pass and whipped a shot past Courtois.

Eduardo Coudet's side almost took the lead when Vicente's low cross from the right was nudged wide by Toni Martinez, who was nudged off-balance by Raul Asencio's pressure.

Instead, Madrid pulled back in front, with Vinicius breaking in down the left and crossing for Rodrygo to finish from six yards out.

It was the Brazilian's second goal in two games after going the previous 32 matches without finding the net, and a tense Alonso celebrated wildly, knowing that his future could depend on it.

Vinicius had appeals for a penalty turned down as he fell under a challenge from Nahuel Tenaglia, and Bellingham came close in stoppage time as Madrid tried in vain to ease their nerves by putting the game to bed.

"I thought it was a clear penalty, Vini was going very fast, there was contact... it surprises me that it didn't go to VAR," said Alonso.

Third-place Villarreal's visit to Levante was postponed because of a weather warning in the Valencia region.

Real Oviedo, 19th, sacked coach Luis Carrion after a 4-0 hammering at Sevilla.

On Saturday, champions Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-0 to win a seventh straight La Liga game and ensure that they will lead the table into 2026, regardless of what happens in the final round of fixtures before the winter break.


Bayern Goalkeeper Neuer Set to Miss Last Game of Year with Hamstring Injury 

14 December 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer warms up ahead of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and FSV Mainz 05 at the Allianz Arena. (dpa)
14 December 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer warms up ahead of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and FSV Mainz 05 at the Allianz Arena. (dpa)
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Bayern Goalkeeper Neuer Set to Miss Last Game of Year with Hamstring Injury 

14 December 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer warms up ahead of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and FSV Mainz 05 at the Allianz Arena. (dpa)
14 December 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer warms up ahead of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and FSV Mainz 05 at the Allianz Arena. (dpa)

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer could miss his team's last game of the year because of a hamstring tear.

The club said on Monday that the injury to Neuer's right hamstring was confirmed by a medical examination after the 39-year-old club captain played the entirety of Sunday's 2-2 draw with Mainz. That was a rare case of the unbeaten Bundesliga leader Bayern dropping points.

Bayern said Neuer would be unavailable “for the time being,” without giving further information on the severity of the injury.

The visit to Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday is the club's last before the winter break.

The German champion is next in action on Jan. 11 against Wolfsburg.


Mbeumo Faces Double Cameroon Challenge at AFCON 

Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - December 8, 2025 Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo reacts. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - December 8, 2025 Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo reacts. (Action Images via Reuters)
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Mbeumo Faces Double Cameroon Challenge at AFCON 

Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - December 8, 2025 Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo reacts. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - December 8, 2025 Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo reacts. (Action Images via Reuters)

Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo must handle the twin challenges of scoring and captaincy when playing for Cameroon at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this month.

With veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar surprisingly axed, the responsibility for scoring falls heavily on the 26-year-old who moved to Old Trafford from Brentford last July.

Goals have been hard to come by for the Indomitable Lions lately as they failed to find the net in two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Needing maximum points at home against Angola two months ago to have any hope of automatic qualification, Cameroon managed only a 0-0 draw.

Given a second chance to qualify a month later as one of the best four African group runners-up, Cameroon fell 1-0 to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a play-off and were eliminated.

For Cameroon supporters, recalling the past exploits of star strikers like Roger Milla, Patrick Mboma and Samuel Eto'o, consecutive blanks were difficult to accept.

Mbeumo started in both matches, but poor service from midfield and tight marking meant scoring opportunities were scarce.

Aboubakar was the eight-goal leading scorer in the 2022 AFCON as hosts Cameroon finished third behind Senegal and Egypt.

It was an outstanding performance in the modern era of the premier African football tournament, finishing just one goal shy of matching the 1974 record of Congolese Ndaye Mulamba.

But Mbeumo was left without a potentially key partner in attack when new Cameroon coach David Pagou omitted Aboubakar from the Morocco-bound squad.

- Low morale -

"We wanted to do things differently. They are good players, but we set our sights on others to create a different mindset," said Pagou, referring to Aboubakar and goalkeeper Andre Onana.

While Mbeumo seeks goals in Group F against Gabon, title-holders Ivory Coast and Mozambique, he must also shoulder the additional responsibility of succeeding Aboubakar as captain.

He must lift a team whose morale is low after their failure to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Cameroon hold the African record for World Cup appearances with eight. Losing out to Group D winners Cape Verde, a west African archipelago with a population of just 525,000, was a bitter blow.

Mbeumo was born in eastern France to a Cameroonian father and a French mother, making him eligible to represent either country.

He played underage football for France before switching his international allegiance to Cameroon. His highlight so far with the Indomitable Lions was competing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

At club level, he spent one season with Troyes in France, then six with Brentford, helping the London club gain promotion to the Premier League.

He formed a dynamic attacking partnership with Democratic Republic of Congo winger Yoane Wissa at the Bees -- both scored in the same match six times last season.

It was a feat matched only by Liverpool pair Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in the 2024-25 Premier League.

His six goals this season for United include a brace in a 4-2 home victory over Brighton.