Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah ‘truly lost for words’ after Diogo Jota death

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah paid tribute to his teammate Diogo Jota on Friday, after the Portuguese international died in a car crash on Thursday in northern Spain. (X/@SalahUpdates)
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Updated 04 July 2025
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Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah ‘truly lost for words’ after Diogo Jota death

  • ‘Teammates come and go but not like this,’ Salah wrote on X
  • Jota and brother Andre Silva died when Lamborghini they were in veered off a road and burst into flames

BEIRUT: Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah paid tribute to his teammate Diogo Jota on Friday, after the Portuguese international died in a car crash on Thursday in northern Spain.
“I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break,” Salah said on social media platform X.
Jota perished alongside his brother, Andre Silva, when the Lamborghini they were in veered off a road and burst into flames, Spanish police said Thursday.
Having been teammates since Jota joined the Premier League champions in 2020, Salah wrote on X: “Teammates 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 their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.”
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was “heartbroken” to learn about Jota’s death.
Klopp, who is Red Bull’s head of global soccer, had persuaded the Liverpool board to pay $62 million for Jota after he impressed at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!” Klopp posted on Instagram.
The Spanish Guardia Civil said 28-year-old Jota and 25-year-old Silva were found dead near the northwestern city of Zamora. Jota’s death comes just weeks after he married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, while on vacation from a long season where he helped Liverpool win the Premier League title.
Upon getting married, Cardoso wrote in a social media post, “Yes to forever.” He leaves behind three children, the youngest born last year.


Sharjah Self-Defence takes opening-day lead at Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

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Sharjah Self-Defence takes opening-day lead at Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

  • Round 1 of the competition is taking place at Nad Al Sheba Complex in Dubai

DUBAI: The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship — Round 1 No Gi got underway in Dubai on Saturday with the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club leading the standings at the end of the day’s action.

The competition took place at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex with action across the U-12, U-14 and U-16 categories.

Day 1 also saw Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club finish in second place and Palms Sports — Team 777 in third.

Mohamed Hussain Al-Marzooqi, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the inclusion of the No Gi category reflects the federation’s commitment to providing athletes with more competitive opportunities and developing their skills across different jiu-jitsu styles. He stressed that investment in youth categories remains essential to building a generation capable of representing the UAE at regional and international competitions.

“No Gi competitions offer a different challenge in jiu-jitsu, with a focus on speed, flexibility and tactical awareness,” said Al-Marzooqi. “We include this format to help develop athletes’ skills, prepare them for international competition, and build well-rounded athletes who can adapt to different styles.”

The championship continues on Sunday with competitions in the U-18, Adults and Masters categories, with significant participation from clubs and academies from across the UAE.