Diogo Jota and Andre Silva will never be forgotten, as the world will remember them for their best possible version.

A kind note of condolence to the family of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, the two sons of a family lost in an instant. To the mother who had to endure the sternest test of time, no human should endure in their lifetime. To the wife who had dreamt of a long and happy life along with three children, as the dream came crashing down on them in the most unfortunate circumstances imaginable. May Diogo and Andre’s souls rest in peace.

The lockdown showed us many things, and in the world of football, it was a grim period. Players had no announcement videos or crowd gathered at airports or around the stadiums to greet a new signing, and as Liverpool signed Diogo Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers, he made his own signing vlog, which at the time seemed interesting and brings a tear if we watch it now.

A highly-rated player who had excelled at Wolves already had to take the long road to success, and Liverpool would prove to be his ultimate and final destination. Jota’s journey began at Paços de Ferreira and took him through Atletico Madrid, FC Porto, and Wolves, before he truly made his mark at Liverpool.

Liverpool fans are emotional in the purest way possible, owing to how they see their club and take in anyone who wears the red of Merseyside. Jota’s footballing ability aside, he became a fan favourite for the human he was. The Portuguese star was involved in off-field activities, and his well-documented support of the women’s game did make him a formidable, yet humble being in all directions.

Her Sport’s official Instagram account ran a tribute for Diogo Jota, describing how he was an instrumental figure when things mattered. Their quotes tell us a story that not many mainstream media outlets cover on many occasions, but the Portuguese star was always there to help.

Her Sport’s post read, “At Liverpool, whenever there was a campaign about some or keeping girls in the game, Diogo Jota showed up. Not because he had to. Because he understood WHY it mattered. Last year, he sat beside Ireland’s Leanne Kiernan on International Women’s Day and lent his voice to a message bigger than football.

“He spoke about the women who raised him, he spoke about his partner and the support she gives him. He slowly mentioned Marta and Serena Williams as the kind of role models he hopes his two-year-old daughter and his sons will grow up admiring.

“We believe Everyone has a duty to care about equality and equity. Jota understood that and acted on it. A devastating loss for his family, his teammates and everyone who saw the strength of his character beyond the game. Rest in peace, Diogo & Andre.”

There are many other instances of what sort of person Diogo Jota was in the background. He was a great ambassador for the club, the sport and particularly for his family, who have lost a gem of a human being in what has been described as an unprecedented tragedy.

Diogo Jota had problems flying in airplanes

Jota had pulmonary issues, which, as per a report, also culminated in a procedure on his lungs. The issue had reportedly prevented him from flying in airplanes, probably due to the pressure-oriented atmosphere inside the carrier.

Hence, he was seemingly on his way back to England to join up with his teammates for the beginning of pre-season with Liverpool. Transfer theories aside, Jota was a vital part of Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season, which happened to be his first Premier League triumph since moving to England.

As it happened, he was due to link up with Liverpool for pre-season. In CNN Portugal’s sport editor Rui Laura’s words, Jota had been advised against flying following an apparent lung surgery. Rui Laura said, “The surgery he had was lung surgery, and he had been advised against flying following this. He was on his way to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to cross by ferry and reach the UK that way, and carry on with the car once he reached Britain. He was on his way to Liverpool with his brother.”

It’s quite unfortunate to know this back story of his trip to the port city of Santander, and many of us did not know of his problems with flying. As it happened, the striker barely knew he was on the final stretch of his life in that car.

The tributes

Of footballers, we barely know anything about the person they are or how they go about their normal lives outside of the sport. The image they usually end up creating on the screen does not give a good account of what they are in the background, and in Diogo Jota’s case, the tributes pouring in give us a glimpse of what he meant to many of his teammates and managers.

Starting with Andy Robertson, the Liverpool star gave a glowing tribute to his friend and the man he describes as “The most British foreign player I’ve ever met.”

Robertson’s tribute read as follows: “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 Andre. For the team and the Club, we’ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes.

“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 Andre. For the team and the Club, we’ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy.

“I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It’s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. He was the most British foreign player I’ve ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I’d try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.

“We’d watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight – one of the best we had. The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.

“I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo.”

Jurgen Klopp, the manager who brought Diog Jota to Liverpool following the club’s title-winning campaign of 2019-20. The German manager said, “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 André. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband, and a father! We will miss you so much!”

Ruben Neves, his Portugal teammate and best friend, reflected on Jota’s spirit and the memories they shared: “His passion, will and determination allowed him to succeed in life and have a brilliant career. More important than that, as a person … the memories that remain … Jota will remain in our hearts forever. He will always be present at all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, national team gatherings, PlayStation or card games. … The No. 20 was already special, and now it will be even more so.”

Current Liverpool boss Arne Slot also had a few compassionate words for his striker, he said, “What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. You meant so much to all of us and you always will!”

These are unprecedented times for football and sport

We have seen a handful of players or ex-professionals passing before their time, and one of the most recent examples that sprang to mind are Christian Atsu (died in an earthquake), Jose Antonio Reyes (car crash) and Emiliano Sala (plane crash).

While the demise of any footballer adored by fans is often painful, the death of Diogo Jota sent a wave of shock through every corner of the footballing world. Fans of all clubs have woken up to the message on the day of his crash, and the feeling of shock has been mutual.

What’s more important is the suddenness of the death that has made all of us realise that life is short and unpredictable, to put it simply. Hence, it’s vital to live a fuller life every day until the time one cannot do it, as Jota’s demise has certainly left a lasting memory.

The sudden demise has certainly led to uncertainty surrounding the football coming ahead in the next months. How will Liverpool react? How are the players going to be mentally and emotionally once the season begins, especially knowing one of the best people at the Liverpool training pitch will never return there, ever?

It is not only a Liverpool problem, but for the entire community of the sport. No one can plan for this, and hopefully never have to. Jota leaves behind a lasting memory as a son, father, brother, player and human being.

Jota will never be forgotten, that is a guarantee, and forever walk together in spirit with everyone who loved him and adored him for the person he was in whatever capacity.

RIP Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.