The football world is in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car crash on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The news has sent shockwaves through Liverpool Football Club and its global fanbase, with tributes pouring in from players, staff, and supporters alike. Liverpool's head coach, Arne Slot, has expressed his profound grief and offered a touching tribute to the player, highlighting Jota's importance to the team and the deep personal connection he had with everyone at the club.
Slot, who took over as Liverpool's head coach on June 1, 2024, replacing Jürgen Klopp, acknowledged the widespread sense of devastation following the news. Slot managed Jota for one season, deploying him in 36 matches where he scored nine goals and provided four assists. In a statement released on Thursday evening, as fans gathered at Anfield to pay their respects, Slot conveyed his "absolute shock" and the raw pain felt by everyone associated with Liverpool.
"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," Slot said, acknowledging the difficulty in expressing the depth of sorrow. He emphasized that his initial thoughts were not as a football manager but as a human being, a father, son, brother, and uncle, extending his deepest condolences to the family of Diogo and his brother, Andre Silva, who also passed away in the accident. "My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone," Slot affirmed, echoing the club's anthem and assuring the family of the unwavering support from the players, staff, and supporters of Liverpool Football Club, as well as the broader football community.
Slot's tribute went beyond the immediate tragedy, reflecting on Jota's character and the positive impact he had on those around him. "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," he stated. He highlighted that Jota was more than just a player; he was a "loved one," a teammate, a colleague, and a workmate who was "very special" in all of those roles.
Describing Jota's qualities on the pitch, Slot said, "Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be". He also spoke of Jota's personal attributes that were not always visible to the public, noting that he "never sought popularity but found it anyway" and was "not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone," making others feel good simply by being around them. Slot further emphasized Jota's dedication to his family.
Liverpool Football Club and Fenway Sports Group also issued a joint statement offering their condolences. "This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating, and has left us numb with grief," they said. The club acknowledged Jota's vital role in their successes since he joined in 2020 and how quickly he became a fan favorite.
Slot concluded his tribute with a promise to celebrate Diogo Jota's life and career when the time is right, remembering his goals and singing his song. "For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss," he said. "He will never be forgotten. His name is Diogo".
Arne Slot, a Dutch native, arrived at Liverpool with a strong reputation, having led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in 2022/23 and the KNVB Cup in 2023/24. His managerial career includes time with PEC Zwolle, Cambuur, and AZ Alkmaar before his successful stint at Feyenoord. Now, in the face of immense grief, Slot's leadership and heartfelt words offer solace and unity to the Liverpool family as they mourn the loss of Diogo Jota.
