The death of Diogo Jota has left a deep scar in Jurgen Klopp’s heart. Klopp welcomed the Portuguese forward under his wing in 2020, and over the years, watched him grow into an exceptional player and a remarkable human being.
The 28-year-old developed not only on the pitch but also as a person, earning Klopp’s admiration and affection. More than just a coach and mentor, Klopp came to see Jota as a son.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on his Instagram page, the former Liverpool manager expressed his devastation over the tragic news. He spoke warmly of Jota’s character, work ethic, and the joy he brought to the team and fans alike, calling him “an exceptional player and an even better person.
“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 André.
“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!
“We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace – Love J”
The man who stepped into Klopp’s shoes on May 20, 2024, Arne Slot, shared a touching tribute of his own, saying that Liverpool FC has “gained an angel” and will “never walk alone.”
Before joining Liverpool, Slot was the head coach of Feyenoord, where he was praised for his tactical intelligence and leadership.
Reflecting on Diogo Jota’s passing, Slot highlighted the kind of person Jota was, someone who made others feel good simply by being around them. We’ve truly lost a good one capturing the deep sense of loss felt across the club and its supporters.
“What to say? 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.
“All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.
“My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.
“My message to them is very clear, you will never walk alone. The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.
“This is not solely a response to tragedy. It is also a reaction to the goodness of the people involved and the respect that so many have for the boys as individuals and for the family as a whole.
“For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special.
“I could say so much about what he brought to our team, but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.
“There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family.
“The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this”.
The bodies of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, arrived at a church in Portugal at 11pm on Thursday, where they were met by a crowd of heartbroken supporters. Alot of supporters cried while others applauded and cheered in a powerful and emotional tribute to the beloved footballer and his brother.
Jose Manuel Macedo, the local parish priest, announced that the wake will be held at 8 a.m. at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao, followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. at Igreja Matriz, the Catholic church next door.
“We’re available to celebrate their lives with everyone and to share both the pain and the Christian hope,” Father Macedo said.
