Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, 28, died in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain with his brother, the Portuguese Football Federation said on Thursday.
The regional fire department of Castile and Leon, where Zamora is located, said on its website a car crashed early on Thursday, shortly after midnight, and burst into flames, with two men, aged 28 and 26, found dead.
"We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day," the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.
Spanish police told Reuters they could not yet officially confirm the names of the deceased, but everything pointed to it being Jota and his brother. The Lamborghini they were travelling veered off the road, the spokesperson said.
The bodies have been taken to a forensics unit in nearby Zamora where autopsies will be performed, they said.
Jota, who got married on June 28, helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season and also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Merseyside outfit.
Jota arrived at Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions. He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League.
Following are quotes and reactions to the death of Diogo:
"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota." -- club statement
"The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic." -- Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro
"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily." -- Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Diogo Jota won 49 senior caps and won the Nations League title twice, most recently last month.
"It makes no sense. We were just together with the national team (they won the Nations League title last month), you had just gotten married," he posted on X.
"To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." ." -- Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo
"They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!" -- Diogo Jota's former Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves on Instagram.
"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. You will be truly missed, and always remembered." -- Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers where Diogo Jota played from 2017-2020.
"Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club." -- English Premier League.
"Atletico de Madrid is deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former player of the club, and his brother Andre." -- statement from La Liga side where Diogo Jota played 2016-18.
