Fans leave tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield

The footballer passed away last night 

New footage taken at Anfield today shows scores of Liverpool fans laying flowers around the foot of the club’s iconic football ground. 

Others can be seen shedding tears as they come to terms with the loss of one of their star players. Scarves and shirts were left from Manchester United, Everton, Rangers and other UK clubs as fans from across football paid tribute to Jota.

Speaking at the scene, Liverpool’s Mayor Steve Rotheram, who lay flowers with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, reminisced on his strongest memory of Diogo Jota, from when he’d taken his brother to a match at Anfield for his 50th birthday. 

The Mayor said: “Literally in the last minute he slotted in the far corner. He was a brilliant player, but he was a great goalscorer also and I suppose those are the image that people will have in their mind.” 

Earlier this morning Spanish police confirmed reports that a deadly traffic incident occurred in the Zamora region of Spain at 12.30am local time, leading to the deaths of both Diogo and his brother Andre Jota. 

The 28-year-old’s death has shocked the entire football world, and nowhere can this be felt more strongly than in the city that Jota has called home since 2020. 

The emotional scenes came hours after the club responded to official reports of Jota’s death. That announcement was followed by heartbreaking statements by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and legendary Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Klopp said: “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."

Jota had celebrated his wedding just two weeks ago, after marrying his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto.

He leaves behind three children.