The football world was left in disbelief in early April 2025 following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. For many, the news came as a sudden shock—but for Luis Diaz, Jota’s close teammate and friend, it was nothing short of heartbreaking.
The Colombian winger is still coming to terms with the painful reality that Jota is gone forever. Their bond on and off the pitch went far beyond the usual camaraderie between teammates, making this loss even more devastating for Diaz.
A Tragic Accident That Shook the Football World
On April 3rd, 2025, Diogo Jota’s life was cut short in a tragic car accident while traveling back from Portugal to England. The Portuguese star was behind the wheel of a Lamborghini when a tire reportedly burst, causing the car to swerve off the road and burst into flames upon impact.
Jota wasn’t alone at the time. His younger brother, Andre Silva, was also in the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving their families, teammates, and fans in utter despair.
News of Jota’s passing quickly spread across the globe, sparking tributes from clubs, players, and supporters who mourned the loss of one of football’s most beloved and hardworking forwards.
Luis Diaz Couldn’t Attend the Funeral, But His Heart Was There
Luis Diaz, who had shared countless moments with Jota in Liverpool’s dressing room and on the pitch, admitted that he was devastated by the loss. Unfortunately, Diaz was in Colombia at the time and unable to return to Europe in time to attend Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal.
Despite being physically absent, Diaz said his thoughts and prayers were with Jota and his family.
“I really wanted to be there, but it wasn’t possible. That didn’t stop me from sending my love and saying goodbye in my own way,” Diaz expressed.
The memorial ceremony was attended by almost the entire Liverpool squad, along with several former players who had once shared the pitch with Jota. It was a powerful moment of unity, sorrow, and remembrance.
“I Cried My Heart Out” — Diaz Opens Up About His Pain
In a candid interview with Win Sports, Diaz revealed how deeply the news had affected him. He described waking up to the heartbreaking headlines as one of the most painful moments of his life.
“It was really hard—extremely hard to read something like that the moment you wake up,” said Diaz, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“The first thing I saw when I picked up my phone was the news about Diogo, and honestly, I broke down.”
“I cried. I cried a lot. It was a very, very deep pain. Something that I still carry with me,” he added with emotion.
A Friendship Forged Beyond the Pitch
Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota shared a connection that extended well beyond their roles at Liverpool FC. Prior to joining the Reds, both had spent time in Portugal—Diaz with FC Porto, and Jota with Wolverhampton Wanderers, though their paths crossed in the same footballing ecosystem.
When Diaz arrived at Liverpool, Jota was among the first to welcome him with open arms. More than a teammate, Jota became a mentor, friend, and family figure, helping Diaz settle into the English game and life at Anfield.
“He played a big role in my transition to Liverpool. He and his family embraced me when I got here. We built a strong friendship from day one,” Diaz recalled.
Their relationship was one of mutual respect, healthy competition, and shared values.
“We pushed each other in training, and we had a great understanding on the pitch. He was an important part of my life,” Diaz said.
A Loss That Leaves a Permanent Void
For Luis Diaz, the passing of Diogo Jota is more than the loss of a teammate—it’s the loss of a true friend, a brother in football. The memories they shared will live on, but the absence is one that will be felt deeply, both in the dressing room and in Diaz’s heart.
As the football world continues to honor Jota’s legacy, Diaz has become a symbol of how close-knit players can become, and how fragile life can be—even for those at the peak of their careers.
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