Salah Breaks Silence on Diogo Jota’s Death: ‘It Will Be Hard to Return Without Him’

Mohamed Salah and Football World Mourn Diogo Jota’s Tragic Death in Car Crash

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has expressed his deep sorrow following the shocking death of teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident alongside his younger brother Andre Silva. The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, leaving the football world in mourning.

The 28-year-old Portuguese international was en route to Liverpool for pre-season training when the accident happened. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, both Jota and Andre died at approximately 00:30 local time. The news has sent shockwaves through the global football community, particularly at Liverpool Football Club, where Jota was a beloved figure since his arrival in 2020 from Wolves.

Mohamed Salah: “It’s Going to Be Extremely Difficult to Accept”
Mohamed Salah, Jota’s teammate for nearly five years, shared a heartfelt tribute that captured the grief and disbelief felt throughout the Liverpool squad.

“I am truly lost for words,” Salah wrote. “Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me about going back to Liverpool after the break. Team-mates come and go, but not like this.

“It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back. My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents, who suddenly lost both their sons. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.”

Jota had recently undergone minor surgery and, on medical advice, opted not to fly. Instead, he travelled by car and ferry, a journey that would tragically end his life just 11 days after marrying his long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.

Liverpool Delays Pre-Season Training Return
In response to the tragedy, Liverpool FC has postponed the scheduled return of several first-team players who were due to report to the club’s training ground on Friday. The club confirmed that a phased return will now begin on Monday instead, as players, coaches, and staff come to terms with the loss.

New manager Arne Slot, preparing for his first season in charge of the Reds, now faces the enormous task of guiding the team through a pre-season shadowed by grief. Liverpool are scheduled to play their first pre-season match against Preston North End on Sunday, July 13, though tributes are expected to dominate the occasion.

Former Teammates Pay Tribute to “One of the Kindest Souls”
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who was recently transferred to Celtic, also paid an emotional tribute to Jota, describing him as “one of my closest friends in football.”

“We bonded over all things – sports, watching any football match we could find, often your brother Andre’s games on your iPad,” Kelleher recalled. “I was surprised a lad from Portugal loved sports like darts, snooker, and horse racing so much. Some of my best memories were watching them and having a laugh with you.”

“It’s going to hurt for a long time and I’m going to miss you so much. But I feel so lucky to have had such a good friend.”

Portugal Mourns a National Talent
In Jota’s hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, grief has turned into a public outpouring of love. A vigil was held at the Chapel of Resurrection on Friday, with a funeral service scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. Locals and fans gathered in large numbers to honour a player many saw as a hometown hero.

Jota, who began his youth career at the Gondomar football academy, is so revered in the area that the academy itself was renamed in his honour. A commemorative photo displayed at the academy shows a young Jota proudly wearing both the Portugal national team kit and the yellow of his local club.

Tributes Pour In Across Clubs
Fans have continued to pay respects at both Anfield and Jota’s former club Wolverhampton Wanderers. Outside Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium, fans left jerseys, flowers, and scarves in a growing tribute area. Former captain Jordan Henderson also laid flowers in memory of his former teammate.

Liverpool has opened a book of condolences at the Anfield Road Stand reception, while an online version has been made available for supporters across the globe to share their messages of remembrance.

Meanwhile, at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton fans paid tribute to the player who gave them three memorable years before his big move to Merseyside. Messages of sympathy and reflection continue to pour in across social media and from clubs and players worldwide.

A Tragic End to a Promising Career
Diogo Jota’s death at just 28 years old is a profound loss for football. With multiple titles, Champions League experience, and more than 30 international caps for Portugal, he had firmly established himself among Europe’s elite. Known for his quick feet, sharp instincts, and quiet humility, he was a fan favourite wherever he played.

The death of Andre Silva, a promising footballer in his own right, adds another layer of heartbreak to this tragedy. Their loss is being felt not only by their immediate families but by two footballing nations – Portugal and England – and by fans around the world who admired their talent and passion.

A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
Liverpool’s club statement summed up the emotions shared across the footballing world: “Diogo Jota was more than just a footballer. He was a teammate, a friend, and a part of our family. He will forever remain in our hearts.”

As tributes continue to pour in, Mohamed Salah’s words echo most powerfully: “They will never be forgotten.”