Death of Liverpool forward Jota leaves football world in shock

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The football world is shocked by the death of Liverpool and Portugal’s Diogo Jota at the age of 28 in a car accident.

Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, both died in the Zamora province of Spain after their Lamborghini crashed.

The 28-year-old Jota had minor surgery and was being flown back to Liverpool for pre-season training, so doctors advised him against flying, so he had to make the trip by car and ferry instead.

Just 11 days before the fatal crash, Jota wed his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, who he had three children with.

Fans gathered outside Anfield to pay tribute to Jota, who Liverpool described as a “tragedy that transcends” the club.

Jota was “the essence of what a Liverpool player should be,” according to Reds manager Arne Slot.

What transpired?

After their car left the road due to a tyre blowout that occurred while overtaking another vehicle, Jota and Silva, both 25, were killed. Silva is also a professional footballer for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.

Both men passed away on Thursday at around 00:30 local time, according to The Guardia Civil.

Jota was supposed to be taking a ferry from Santander to Liverpool by car, but he was also supposed to be returning by boat.

In the south of England, Santander and Plymouth and Portsmouth are both connected by ferry.

Porto and Zamora, which are close to the Portuguese border, are both about 190 miles away.

Ronaldo and Liverpool pay tributes.

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Liverpool led the tributes to Jota, blaming the “unimaginable loss” the club had suffered from.

In 182 games for Liverpool, he scored 65 goals, helping them to win the FA Cup, League Cup, and title last year.

Later on Thursday, the club released additional statements, with manager Slot paying tribute to a player who had “becomed to be a loved one to everyone at the club.”

Someone who, in addition to being with others, made other people feel good about themselves. a person who gave his family a lot of love.

Slot said he last spoke with Jota to congratulate him on his victory in the Nations League and wish him luck for his wedding.

It was a dream summer for Diogo and his family in many ways, he continued, adding that it was heartbreaking that it should come to this.

According to Slot, Liverpool and its supporters “are completely in tune with” Jota’s family and “the same can be said of the wider family of football.”

It was a privilege to have played alongside Jota and to have been his friend off the field, according to Reds captain Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman continued, “We will miss you beyond words and never forget you.” We will ensure that your legacy endures, as they say.

Jota was “the most British foreign player” he had met, according to left-back Andy Robertson.

The Scotland international stated in a caption on Instagram that his wedding day was his most memorable day of his life. From that magical day, I long for his unflagging smile. How enthralled was he with his family and wife?

The club’s owners, Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner, and Mike Gordon, said in a statement that they had been “numb with grief” as they condolemented Jota’s family.

Beyond the player, according to them, was a truly humble person who was sincere, intelligent, funny, and tough, and he made friends wherever he went. He had a life-affirming infectious enthusiasm.

This is a tragedy that transcends the Liverpool football club, according to Fenway Sports Group CEO Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes of Liverpool’s sporting director.

Before joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota had previously scored 44 goals in 131 games for Pacos de Ferreira, Atletico Madrid, Porto, and Wolves.

His final appearance was against Spain in the Uefa Nations League final against Portugal. In 49 internationals, he scored 14 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the skipper of Portugal, wrote on social media that it “makes no sense.” You just got married, and we were just now playing for the national team.

Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, expressed his condolences to Jota’s family, wife, and children, saying, “I know you will always be with them.” Diogo and André, rest in peace. You will be missed by us.

Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager who bought Jota for the Reds, described him as “heartbroken.”

The German wrote on Instagram that “Diogo was a fantastic player, as well as a great friend, a loving and compassionate husband and father.”

Fans gather at Anfield.

Tributes left by fans at AnfieldGetty Images

On Thursday, a horde of football fans gathered at Liverpool’s home ground in Anfield to pay their respects.

A sea of flowers, football shirts, scarves, balloons, and flags were laid out outside the stadium’s Hillsborough disaster memorial.

John Barlow, a lifelong fan and a survivor of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, called the news “absolutely devastated” and had to halt his work and travel to Anfield.

Jota was a popular player with fans who admired his perseverance and reputation as a laid-back, outgoing person off the field.

Steve Rotheram, the metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said, “The success that he has helped bring to this city will never be forgotten.”

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How Sainz has helped raise Albon’s image

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British Grand Prix

Dates: 4 to 6 July Race start time: 15:00 BST on Sunday

James Vowles, the Williams team’s coach, claims Alex Albon “sees it as a compliment” because he thinks his game has improved this year.

Albon is disagreeing, though. “Maybe it’s been a stronger year”, he says. “But for the most part, I still believe I plan my weekends in a similar manner.

It’s undoubtedly not just James, they say. It’s up and down the grid in the paddock. It is obvious that I now have a benchmark that many paddocks can use.

More to the identity of his team-mate than the British-Thai driver, Albon’s image is revolving.

Carlos Sainz joined Williams this season from Ferrari. Everyone is aware of Sainz’s talent; he has collaborated closely with Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen.

Albon has a significant advantage over the Spaniard, with the caveat that Sainz is still adapting to his new surroundings, both car and team.

He leads him by 42-13 in the championship, in which Albon is the leading driver not from a top-four team. And he has a qualifying advantage of 9-4, or 0.176 seconds on average.

It “highlights the job that I believe I can do,” says Albon.

At the same time, the 29-year-old says:” I would say that my motivation doesn’t come from that.

“I’m now in a quick car, and I’m hoping to win every race right now.” There is therefore a completely different mental shift.

” I remember the previous few years, there were maybe six races on the calendar where it was almost like, ‘ OK, here we go, this is our chance. ‘

Why can changing cars be as simple as changing golf clubs?

Max Verstappen takes a selfie with Alex Albon while they were Red Bull team-mates in 2019Images courtesy of Getty

When he joined Williams in 2022 – as a replacement for George Russell when his friend moved to Mercedes – it was something of a lifeline.

His had taken a difficult route to F1. Verstappen, Russell, and Leclerc were the children’s karting rivals of the past, and for a while F1 seemed to be a distant second.

He finally made it in 2019, offered a seat by Red Bull in their second team. After a string of impressive performances for Toro Rosso, he was promoted to the main team alongside Verstappen in just one season.

His second-half 2019 success led to the completion of the full season in 2020, but like Pierre Gasly and everyone else since, he struggled to reconcile with the Dutchman and was let go at the end of the year.

After a year on the sidelines as Red Bull’s reserve, he won the Williams seat, partly on Russell’s recommendation, but until this year he had been teamed only with second-rate drivers. Sainz has grabbed it with both hands as this is his first chance to demonstrate his abilities.

However, Albon’s interactions with Sainz raise a contentious issue. How does one explain how he can struggle against Verstappen at Red Bull, but now be ahead of Sainz?

There is no such thing as suiting a car or not suiting a car, Albon asserts. “What it means is that everyone in F1 is easy to fall into the trap of: “All the drivers are at the same level all the time.”

Don’t get me wrong, I believe that Max would still be very quick if you just changed the script and put him in a different car, which is the same reason you see so many drivers struggle up against him. But I don’t think you’re going to see the same gaps that you see that he’s putting on his team-mates now.

“And for the same reason, some drivers find it clicks, and others find it doesn’t.”

Even though I was significantly underpowered on downforce for my first time in a Williams, it still feels good.

“And don’t forget that my six-month stint in Toro Rosso at the time was strong as well. It simply swings.

MotoGP is a fantastic example of how to look at it like golf.

“These drivers, these players, they are always talking about: ‘ The bike doesn’t suit me ‘ or ‘ these golf clubs don’t suit me’. And they’re switching clubs, changing putters, changing bikes, and changing how the feel of the bike feels. They constantly try to improve their bike confidence.

The impact of having a professional sportsperson as a girlfriend

Alex Albon and partner 'Lily' Muni He at Times Square while they attend the world premiere of the F1 movie in June 2025Images courtesy of Getty

When we talk about golf, Lily Muni He, a Chinese golfer, appears to be his partner.

Albon claims that having a girlfriend who is a professional sportsperson has “a significant influence on his racing career” in many ways.

” We use the same psychologist, “Albon says”. Our lines of business are very similar in our conversation. In terms of our differences and strengths, we have a lot in common.

“We try to help each other in every way we can. It is also good for you. We work on it together, so it’s really helpful to discuss what areas you’re trying to improve.

” We do group calls with our psychologist, and it’s positive.

“I don’t believe there is a sport out there that is more mental than golf, but obviously motorsport is a very mental sport,” he said.

Because they spend too much time thinking, I believe golf psychologists are actually some of the best in the world when it comes to sports performance.

“And it’s an inward game, just like I’m trying to create within my motorsport world. And yet, their processes are so crucial to stay current with.

Albon is known for its “Process.” It’s why he’s not obsessed about his performances in comparison with Sainz.

He claims that he is “very not result-driven.” It’s always process, process, process for me. And every year I validate myself. I ask myself, “Am I preparing and executing my best self?” Do I have my best interests at heart?

” So that’s why when you ask me, ‘ have I changed much? Is this an exceptional year? Have you made a game-change? I track myself and everything’s about myself. That in some ways is selfish, but it serves as my benchmark. In many ways, I use benchmarks.

“I definitely feel like I’ve been able to execute strong races. I also consider it mentally. This year, I’ve been really looking at my own mental performance. Just, you know, in terms of dealing with (stressful) situations.

‘ Realistic ‘ for Williams to be ‘ up at the front end ‘ in 2028

Alex Albon's Williams ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at ImolaImages courtesy of Getty

The difference is that Williams and his team-mate have been able to show it to the world this year as well because of their teamwork.

On the basis of both performance and results, Williams are comfortably a fifth in the constructors’ championship despite a shaky final couple of races. The impact of Vowles has been substantial since he took over two and a half years ago, and they seem to be on track with their ambition to get back to the top.

Albon, however, how far along that path does he believe they are.

He claims that “we are a very different team at the moment from a top team.” We’re still on a journey to get there, and we talk very openly about the journey and our weaknesses as a team.

“I don’t believe we are reaching our full potential, especially in terms of car performance,” he said. That includes everything that happens in the background, including the engineering and performance.

” I don’t think next year we’re going to be in a position to fight for wins, and I think it will be very rare to get a chance at podiums, but that’s my mindset, that’s our mindset.

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Defending champion Krejcikova wins as top seeds buck trend

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Wimbledon 2025

Venue: All England Club, June 30 – 13 .

Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning champion, won round two to end the trend of early Wimbledon exits.

Caroline Dolehide, a Czech player, defeated American Caroline Dolehide 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, and Elena Rybakina, a Czech seed, as well as eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, eighth seed Iga Swiatek, eighth seed Emma Navarro, and ninth seed Elena Rybakina.

Nine top-10 players from the men’s and women’s singles draws exited the women’s singles draw in the first three days, leaving 16 seeded players out.

Only one of the five top-seeded players, Aryna Sabalenka in this case, has advanced to the third round of the women’s singles at a Grand Slam event for the second time in the Open era.

At the end of the fortnight, the women’s draw is open for a potential surprise winner with the opportunity to win the Venus Rosewater Dish, with different players competing for each of the previous seven women’s singles titles.

After winning the second-round, world number one Sabalenka claimed that she had mentally analyzed the early exits of other top seeds.

The top seeds made it through SW19 without incident on Thursday, showing that this mindset has been adopted in the locker room.

After teenager Andreeva defeated Italian Lucia Bronzetti 6-1 7-6 (7-4) and American Navarro cruised past Veronika Kudermetova 6-1 6-2, the former champion Rybakina defeated Greek world number 77 Maria Sakkari in an impressive 6-3 6-1 victory over Greek world number 77 Maria Sakkari.

Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, defeated American Caty McNally, 208, to place her in round three.

After a difficult six months, Krejcikova is “feeling good.”

World No. 10 Navarro said after her win that “it is kind of a everyone’s tournament” and that she hopes to be a part of it as well.

However, the defending champion Krejcikova will follow her with a challenging task.

After missing much of the season with a back injury, last year’s winner has had a turbulent six months and was only playing her eighth game of the year on Thursday.

She was forced to leave Eastbourne last week with a thigh problem, but she expressed her joy at returning to Wimbledon after her opening-round victory. She appears to be alive at the All England Club with a match played on grass courts.

After opening play on Centre Court on Tuesday, she returned from 3-1 to win four games in a row against Dolehide on the smaller, more intimate court two.

After Dolehide’s world number 62 struck, Krejcikova responded by obtaining the crucial break before completing the match.

She responded, “Definitely a huge relief.”

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Defending champion Krejcikova wins as top seeds advance

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Wimbledon 2025

Dates: 30 June-13 July Venue: All England Club

Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova continued her title defence with victory in round two as the top seeds bucked the trend of early exits to advance on day four at Wimbledon.

Czech player Krejcikova secured a 6-4 4-6 6-2 win over American Caroline Dolehide, while there were also wins for seventh seed Mirra Andreeva, 10th seed Emma Navarro and 11th seed Elena Rybakina.

It comes after 16 seeded players tumbled out of the women’s singles draw in the opening three days with nine top-10 seeds across the men’s and women’s singles draws out.

It is just the second time in the Open era that only one of the five top-seeded players – Aryna Sabalenka in this case – has made it through to the third round of the women’s singles at a Grand Slam event.

It leaves the women’s draw open for a potential surprise victor to take the Venus Rosewater Dish at the end of the fortnight, with the last seven women’s singles titles going to different players.

World number one Sabalenka said after her second-round win that she had put other top seeds’ early exits out of her mind.

That mentality seems to be one that has been adopted in the locker room at SW19 on Thursday as the top seeds made it safely through.

Krejcikova ‘feeling good’ after ‘difficult’ six months

Having watched fellow seeded players tumble out, world number 10 Navarro said after her win that “it is kind of anyone’s tournament” and will hope she can include herself in that conversation.

But she faces a tough task in the defending champion Krejcikova next.

Last year’s winner has endured a tumultuous six months and was playing just her eighth match of the year on Thursday, having missed much of the season with a back injury.

She had to pull out of Eastbourne with a thigh problem last week but expressed her joy at being back at Wimbledon following her opening-round win and seems to come alive at the All England Club with a game suited to the grass courts.

This time on the smaller, more intimate court two, having opened play on Centre Court on Tuesday, she came back from 3-1 in the first set against Dolehide, winning four games in a row to wrestle back control.

After world number 62 Dolehide levelled, Krejcikova responded by landing the decisive break in the sixth game of the third set before serving out the match.

“Definitely a huge relief,” she said.

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In pictures: Jota’s best moments for club and country

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Diogo Jota, who died at the age of 28 on Thursday, will be remembered as a clinical finisher who scored goals in important moments for Liverpool and Wolves.

In five seasons at Anfield, the Portuguese forward delivered 65 goals in 182 appearances, collecting each of English football’s major trophies, including one FA Cup and two League Cups, as well as Liverpool’s 20th league title last season.

He signed for Liverpool for £41m from Wolves in 2020, having scored 44 goals in 131 appearances across three seasons after moving from Atletico Madrid.

At international level, he was a member of Portugal squads that won the Nations League twice – in 2019 and 2025.

First Champions League goal for Porto

Diogo Jota celebrates scoring Porto's fifth goal against Leicester with team-mate Yacine BrahimiGetty Images

Wolves hat-trick in seven-goal Leicester thriller

Diogo Jota celebrates scoring the first goal in his hat-trick against Leicester CityGetty Images

Jota sends Wolves to Wembley

Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring against Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final at MolineuxGetty Images

Hat-trick heroics against Besiktas

Diogo Jota celebrates scoring against Besiktas in the Europa LeagueGetty Images

Replacing Ronaldo for Portugal debut

Diogo Jota replaces Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal in November 2019Getty Images

Goal joy on Liverpool league debut

Jota celebrates with Liverpool team-mates after scoring against Arsenal on his Premier League debut for the club in September 2020Getty Images

Italian job as hat-trick sinks Atalanta

Diogo Jota places a finish past Atalanta goalkeeper Marco SportielloGetty Images

Stunning goal rocks Arsenal

Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring against Arsenal in November 2021Getty Images

Sealing an emphatic derby win at Everton

Diogo Jota sends a finish over Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in December 2021.Getty Images

Priceless penalty against Leicester

Jota scores a penalty against Leicester in Liverpool's 2021-22 Carabao Cup quarter-finalGetty Images

Double sends Liverpool to Wembley final

Diogo Jota celebrates scoring against Arsenal in the 2021-22 Carabao Cup semi-finalGetty Images

First silverware with Liverpool

Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrate after victory against Chelsea in the 2022 FA Cup finalGetty Images

Cool winner against Tottenham

Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates with team-mates Darwin Nunez and Jordan Henderson after scoring the team's fourth goal against Tottenham in April 2023Getty Images

Derby winner moves Reds closer to title

Diogo Jota celebrates with Liverpool team-mate Curtis Jones on his back after scoring the winner against Everton in April 2025Getty Images

Lifting number 20

Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates with the Premier League trophy as Liverpool are crowned champions for the 2024-25 seasonGetty Images

Second Nations League trophy

Diogo Jota of Portugal poses with the Uefa Nations League trophy after his team's victory in the final against SpainGetty Images

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