Paddy Pimblett pays touching tribute to Diogo Jota after Liverpool star's tragic death

UFC sensation Paddy Pimblett admitted he was "heartbroken" after Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota was killed in a fatal car crash in Spain.

Jota, along with his brother Andre Felipe, met their untimely deaths after their Lamborghini caught fire. The horrific accident took place when their car suffered a blown tyre while overtaking and subsequently veered off the road, bursting into flames on the A52 near Zamora, close to the border with Portugal, at about 00:30 local time.

Despite emergency services arriving swiftly to the crash site, both men were confirmed dead. The accident occurred shortly after Jota celebrated his wedding.

Pimblett expressed his shock and sympathy in a poignant message next to an image of Jota: "Crazy to wake up on the other side of the world and find out the devastating news about Jota thinking of his wife kids and family at this heartbreaking time for them will never forget going to Wembley and that's all we sang on the way there while we won the trophy and on the way home you'll never be forgotten Diogo our No. 20."

READ MORE: Liverpool star Diogo Jota, 28, dies in tragic car crash days after his wedding

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He also reminisced the beloved chant: "Oh, he wears the No. 20, He will take us to victory, And when he's running down the left wing, He'll cut inside and score for LFC! He's a lad from Portugal, Better than Figo don't you know, Oh, his name is Diogo!", reports All Out Fighting.

Liverpool swiftly issued a statement expressing their heartbreak: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."

Tributes from across the sporting world quickly poured in, including from Pimblett - a fervent Reds supporter. The Portuguese Football Federation also released an official statement in response to the tragic news. Jota had earned 49 caps for the Portuguese national team, netting 14 goals and helping secure victories in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

"We and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain," the statement read.

Tragedy has struck the world of football as Diogo Jota, celebrated for his exceptional skill on the pitch and nearly 50 appearances for the Portuguese National Team, has passed away. Described as an extraordinary person by those who knew him, Jota's influence extended far beyond the game, marked by a radiant joy and standing as a pillar in his community.

Speaking on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, its president paid heartfelt tributes to both Jota and André Silva, extending deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and the clubs that shaped their careers - Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel.

"Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community. On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed."

The federation has called upon UEFA to hold a minute's silence ahead of Portugal's upcoming match against Spain in the Women's European Championship, honouring two champions lost too soon.

"The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team's match against Spain in the Women's European Championship. We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."