‘A Very Big Pain’: Luis Diaz Reflects on Diogo Jota Death and the Loss of a ‘Great Friend’
Luis Diaz opens up on heartbreak after missing funeral for Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota following tragic accident
For Luis Diaz, the past week has been one of immense sorrow. The Colombian international, known for his energy and joy on the pitch, spoke publicly for the first time about the sudden and tragic passing of his Liverpool teammate and close friend, Diogo Jota. And when he did, it was with a heavy heart.
In a deeply emotional interview with Colombian broadcaster WinSportsTV, Diaz reflected on the shock of losing not only a teammate but someone he considered a brother. Jota, along with his own brother Andre Silva, was killed in a car accident last week, sending shockwaves through the footballing world.
As tributes poured in from around the globe—from players, clubs, fans, and former managers—Diaz’s absence from Jota’s funeral in Portugal sparked some quiet questions. But as Diaz himself explained, there was no disrespect, only heartbreak and distance. He had been back in Colombia for international duty and was unable to return in time for the funeral, which was held quickly following the accident.
A friendship forged in shared struggle
Their friendship wasn’t simply born from sharing a dressing room at Anfield. It ran deeper than that. The two forwards arrived at Liverpool around the same period, both battling for a spot in Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI, and yet formed a bond that many said resembled more of a brotherhood than a rivalry.
“He was a key companion when I arrived at Liverpool,” Diaz shared. “His family welcomed me, and we formed a great friendship. We had a healthy rivalry and it was important. But above all, he was a great friend.”
That friendship was laid bare for the world to see in 2023, when Diaz’s father was kidnapped in Colombia. In the middle of that tense and terrifying ordeal, it was Jota who offered a public and deeply personal show of support—holding up Diaz’s shirt in celebration after scoring, sending a powerful message of unity and love.
“It was a very nice gesture,” Diaz said. “One I will never forget.”
The moment the news broke
For Diaz, who was home in Colombia at the time, the news of Jota’s death arrived like a lightning strike. In his own words, he “broke down in tears.”
“It’s very difficult to receive news like this. It’s very sad. No one is prepared for it,” he said. “It hurts a lot, a lot. It was incredible when I woke up and saw the news. It was a very, very, very big pain.”
His voice reportedly cracked as he spoke. Diaz, usually so composed, was visibly shaken, his grief unmistakable.
Despite being thousands of miles away, he made sure to send a heartfelt tribute not only to Jota, but to his family—his wife Rute, his three young children, and the wider Silva family, who are now left picking up the pieces after an unthinkable loss.
“I want to send a lot of strength to his family,” he said. “Because the truth is, they are suffering a lot.”
A team in mourning
The Liverpool squad is no stranger to adversity. From personal tragedies to emotional farewells, the club has often rallied in times of crisis. And this one cuts deep. Jota, just 28, was a player in his prime, admired for his sharp finishing and tireless pressing. But more than that, he was adored as a teammate—a humble presence, a family man, a professional who played the game the right way.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, manager Arne Slot, and several first-team players were present at the funeral service in Gondomar, Portugal, paying their final respects. For those who couldn’t attend, including Diaz, the tributes on social media were no less heartfelt.
Diaz’s Instagram message in the hours after the tragedy read: “I have no words… It hurts in my soul. Not just for what he was on the pitch, but for the person he was off of it. There are gestures that one never forgets, and Diogo had one with me that will accompany me all my life.”
What’s next for Luis Diaz?
Football doesn’t stop, even in moments like this. Diaz is expected to return to Merseyside later this month, following a brief break after international duty with Colombia. His return will coincide with the first phase of Liverpool’s pre-season under Arne Slot.
While the early training sessions will mostly feature young players and those not involved in June’s international fixtures, Diaz’s presence will be vital in the weeks ahead. Both for his ability and leadership, but also for the spirit he brings to the squad.
And in truth, it’s hard to imagine that he’ll step back onto the pitch without Jota being firmly in his thoughts.
A legacy that will live on
Diogo Jota’s death leaves a gaping hole at Liverpool—not just in footballing terms, but in human terms. He was a player of immense talent, but more importantly, a man who forged genuine connections with those around him. For Diaz, that connection will endure.
“He’ll always be remembered by his team,” Diaz said. “I have a great friend in my heart.”
In the days and weeks ahead, as Liverpool begin to prepare for a new season under new leadership, they’ll do so with one less brother in the room. But for Diaz, and for every player touched by Jota’s warmth, his memory will remain a source of strength.
Because sometimes, football is about more than just goals and glory. Sometimes, it’s about the people we lose—and how we carry them with us long after the final whistle.
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