Virgil van Dijk leads tributes to teammate Diogo Jota following footballer’s death

Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk has been left shocked by the sudden passing of his Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota on Thursday. “Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief,” the defender, who is also Liverpool’s captain, wrote on Instagram.

Reports came in on Thursday morning that the 28-year-old and his brother, Andre Silva, had passed away after a car accident in Cernadilla, Zamora, in Spain. The forward leaves behind three children with his wife, whom he had married a week ago.

“What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man,” Van Dijk continued in his message. “You meant so much to all of us, and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband, and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair.”

Jota joined Liverpool in September 2020 for a fee of 45 million euros. The Portuguese forward had just won his first English Premier League title before following it up by winning the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in the summer.

Liverpool announced yesterday that they would be retiring the number 20 shirt, which was Jota’s number.

“I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond, we will always be there for your family. A champion forever, number 20 forever. It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it,” Van Dijk added.

Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager last season, released a statement on the club’s official website. “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.”

The manager added a message for Jota’s loved ones in the statement. “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.”

Winger Cody Gakpo also paid tribute to Jota on Instagram. “Grateful for the moments we’ve had. Thank you for making everybody smile on and off the pitch.”

Jota’s death also led to tributes from within Dutch football. The KNVB, the Dutch football association, expressed its shock and sent its condolences to Jota’s family. Dutch clubs including Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord also paid tribute to the Portugese forward.

Ajax's captain, Jordan Henderson, had played with Jota for years during his time at Liverpool. He also published a heartfelt message in honor of Jota on Instagram. "Rest in peace along with your brother Andre. Love ya mate."