Prince William has issued a personal message saying he is “deeply saddened” at the death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who has died aged 28 following a car crash

Prince William has said he is “deeply saddened” following the death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota who has died in a car crash – sending his condolences to all who knew him. The Prince of Wales, a passionate football fan and patron of the Football Association, wrote a personal message on social media in tribute to the Portuguese international.

Jota, 28, was found dead today alongside his brother, Andre Silva, after their car went off a road near Zamora in Spain. William, in a message signed W denoting it was a personal one, wrote: “As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him @LFC @Wolves. W.”

Jota was part of Liverpool’s Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals in 26 appearances. He married his his long term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just 11 days ago.

Liverpool Football Club said it was ‘devastated’ by the news and that it was an “unimaginable loss”. The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was ‘devastated’ to learn of the deaths, adding: “Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.”

Liverpool fans started leaving tributes outside Anfield on this morning – with flowers being laid with messages including “Thanks for everything, Diogo”.

Tributes to Jota are left at Anfield ( 
Image:
AP)
Jota joined the Merseyside club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 – winning three major trophies. Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo also paid tribute, wishing Jota’s family “all the strength in the world” following the Liverpool forward’s death.

A translated version of his message on Instagram said: “Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”

In its own statement, the Portuguese national team said: “Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.”

Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Instagram he was “heartbroken”. His statement said: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!