Trent Alexander-Arnold Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota After Tragic Passing
Trent Alexander-Arnold has expressed his sorrow following the tragic death of his former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota, which was confirmed on Thursday morning.
Jota, 28, and his brother, Andre Silva, lost their lives in a fatal car crash in Zamora, northwestern Spain, during the early hours of Thursday. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the brothers were traveling on the A52 in a Lamborghini that caught fire after a tyre burst while overtaking.
Emergency callers reported that the vehicle was “engulfed in flames” after the tyre blew out, causing it to veer off the road.
“The vehicle was involved in a traffic incident after a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver,” the Guardia Civil said. “It occurred around 12:30 a.m. BST in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. The car caught fire, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.”
Jota’s death comes shortly after he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, and just weeks following his role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph.
Tributes poured in from across the football world, including from Liverpool, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klopp, new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, and several of Jota’s former clubs.
Later on Thursday, a grieving Alexander-Arnold shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, remembering the Portuguese forward as both a cherished teammate and close friend during their five years together at Anfield.
“It’s incredibly hard to find the right words when your mind and heart can’t accept that someone you deeply care about is gone,” wrote the Real Madrid and England defender, alongside several photos of Jota.
“Diogo’s family meant everything to him. For Rute, his children, his parents — our hearts are shattered. And also for Andre, his brother and best friend.
“When the pain eases, I want to remember Diogo with a smile — all the joy and laughter we shared. He was not just a brilliant teammate but a true friend.
Forever our No. 20. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
Liverpool Immortalises Jota’s No. 20 Shirt
During their time together, Alexander-Arnold and Jota lifted the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and helped Liverpool secure their 20th league title. Jota’s final goal came as the winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton, marking his 65th goal for the club since arriving from Wolves in 2020.
In response to widespread fan requests, Liverpool confirmed they will permanently honour Jota’s memory by retiring his No. 20 shirt.
According to priest Jose Manuel Macedo, the wake for Jota and his brother will be held Friday afternoon at the São Cosme Chapel, followed by the funeral at the neighboring Catholic church on Saturday morning.
“The brothers’ bodies will arrive at the chapel tomorrow, and the funeral will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday,” he told CNN Portugal, via the Daily Mail. “We are here to remember them, share the sorrow, and offer hope through faith.”
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