Liverpool captain Andy Robertson has shared a deeply moving tribute to his teammate and close friend Diogo Jota, who tragically died alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident on July 3, 2025, at 12:30 AM on Spain’s A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora.
The 28-year-old Portuguese forward and his 26-year-old brother, a Penafiel midfielder, perished when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames, with Spanish police investigating a suspicious substance resembling a bomb as a possible sabotage cause, per Arne Slot’s statement.
Robertson’s emotional Instagram post, shared on July 3, has resonated with fans, capturing the profound bond he shared with Jota, whom he affectionately called “Diogo MacJota.”
In his tribute, Robertson wrote, “The ones I’m thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I’m so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and André. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy.
The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real.” He recalled their camaraderie, joking that Jota was “the most British foreign player” he’d met, claiming him as Scottish and dubbing him “Diogo MacJota.”
The pair bonded over darts, horse racing, and a memorable trip to Cheltenham, with Robertson cherishing Jota’s “never-ceasing smile” from his wedding to Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, the last time they met. “I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much. Love you, Diogo,” he concluded.
The football world is reeling, with tributes from Jürgen Klopp, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Portugal’s Prime Minister pouring in.
Jota’s wife, Rute, collapsed from shock and was hospitalized, leaving their three young children. Liverpool, where Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, has lowered flags at Anfield and opened condolence books.
Fans on X echoed Robertson’s grief, with @LFC4Ever posting, “Andy’s words for Diogo break me—YNWA.” The Portuguese FA’s request for a UEFA minute’s silence was honored at Women’s Euro 2025 matches. As Liverpool prepare for their August 17 opener against Bournemouth, Robertson’s tribute underscores the immense loss of a beloved “buddy” and teammate.
