
Mohamed Salah ‘Truly Lost for Words’ After Diogo Jota’s Death
Liverpool Forward Issues Emotional Tribute Following Diogo Jota’s Tragic Passing
It was the kind of news no one in the football world ever expects—or wants—to hear. On a quiet Thursday morning, tragedy struck the Liverpool family and the broader footballing community when reports emerged confirming that Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s charismatic and versatile forward, had died in a car accident at the age of just 28.
In the hours that followed, tributes flooded in. From fans to former teammates, pundits to politicians, the sense of loss was palpable. But one message stood out among them all: a heartbreaking and raw post from Mohamed Salah, who took to Instagram to share his grief.
The Egyptian forward, who formed a close bond with Jota both on and off the pitch during their time together at Anfield, revealed the deep emotional impact of the news and offered his support to Jota’s young family and loved ones. For Mohamed Salah, words failed—and yet, in his silence, he spoke volumes.
What Happened?
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Diogo Jota was involved in a fatal car accident on the outskirts of Porto. The crash occurred less than two weeks after he had celebrated his wedding. He leaves behind a wife, three young children, and a devastated network of family, friends, teammates, and fans.
Portuguese authorities confirmed the tragic news later that morning, and within minutes, social media became awash with grief, shock, and disbelief. Football, for a moment, felt insignificant.
Jota’s younger brother, André Silva—himself a professional footballer—was also involved in the crash, and while reports suggest he survived, the emotional toll of the loss will undoubtedly stay with him forever.
Mohamed Salah’s Emotional Goodbye
Mohamed Salah, a pillar of strength at Liverpool and a leader both on the pitch and in the dressing room, waited over 24 hours before posting his message. Perhaps out of shock. Perhaps because no words seemed enough. But when he did speak, his message was as powerful as it was devastating.
“I am truly lost for words,” he began. “Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Teammates come and go, but not like this.”
Salah’s message captured the raw, unfiltered reality of grief. There was no media polish, no PR spin—just honesty. His words reflected the collective heartbreak of the squad, the club, and the fans. Jota wasn’t just a player. He was a friend, a family man, a human being with a smile that lifted spirits and a work ethic that inspired.
“It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back,” Mohamed Salah continued. “My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents, who suddenly lost their child. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.”
The Bigger Picture: A Loss Felt Around the World
The loss of Diogo Jota resonates far beyond Merseyside. Since his early days at Paços de Ferreira, to his rise at Wolves, and ultimately his pivotal role at Liverpool, Jota was admired for his blend of talent and humility. He was never flashy. Never one for the spotlight. But his presence was felt—both when he scored and when he celebrated others’ success.
It’s rare to find a footballer so universally respected. But that’s who Jota was. His quiet confidence, team-first mentality, and relentless commitment made him beloved by managers and teammates alike.
The Portuguese national team held a minute of silence before their Women’s European Championship opener against Spain that evening. Clubs across Europe followed suit. At Anfield, a shrine of scarves, candles, and flowers quickly grew outside the Shankly Gates.
The Human Side of Football
Football has a way of reminding us, in moments like these, that behind the weekly drama, the transfer sagas, and the title chases, there are people—real people—with families, fears, and feelings.
For Mohamed Salah, and for many others at Liverpool, this wasn’t just a teammate’s death. It was the sudden disappearance of a friend. The man who shared jokes in training, sat across during meals, and celebrated goals together. In a profession often consumed by results and reputation, the loss of Jota cuts deeper than most.
There will be a moment soon—perhaps at the next home game—where Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and others will walk out at Anfield and look across the pitch, expecting to see Jota waiting in the tunnel. That moment will hurt.
The Funeral and the Tributes
Jota’s funeral is scheduled to take place in Porto on Saturday morning, with a private ceremony expected to be attended by close friends, family, and selected members of the Liverpool and Portugal squads. Club officials have already confirmed that a Liverpool delegation, including manager Arne Slot and several players, will attend.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are preparing a permanent tribute to Jota. While nothing official has been announced, sources inside the club suggest discussions are underway about either retiring his No. 20 shirt or installing a commemorative mural inside Anfield.
Fans, too, are finding ways to remember. From tribute banners to candlelight vigils, Jota’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Salah’s Strength in Grief

Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on February 19, 2025
vIn speaking out, Mohamed Salah once again demonstrated why he’s more than just a world-class footballer. His ability to show emotion, to admit fear, and to express grief with vulnerability is a lesson in leadership.
As Liverpool regroup, Mohamed Salah’s role will be vital—not just tactically, but emotionally. He’ll be the one young players look to, the one who helps the squad navigate the pain. And yet, he, too, will need time. Because even heroes need space to heal.
A Final Goodbye
In time, the world will move on. Matches will resume, goals will be scored, trophies will be lifted. But for those closest to Diogo Jota, including Mohamed Salah, the loss will never fully fade. And maybe it shouldn’t.
Because Jota wasn’t just a footballer. He was a father, a husband, a brother, a son, and a friend. And for the Liverpool family, he’ll always be remembered as one of their own.
As Mohamed Salah so powerfully put it:
“They will never be forgotten.”
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