The footballer, 28, died in a car accident alongside his 26-year-old brother

This Morning was brought to a halt today (July 3) as the death of Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota was announced by host Ben Shephard.

Ben and co-host Cat Deeley appeared sombre as they introduced the Morning View segment at the top of the show.

Liverpool favourite and Portuguese international Diogo Jota has died, aged 28 (Credit: Cover Images)

Death of Liverpool player Jota announced

Ben shared his sadness as he announced the death of Liverpool player and Portuguese international Diogo Jota, 28, and his footballer brother André Silva, 26.

“There’s just one breaking news story that has literally just broken that we’re going to bring you,” Ben shared. “It’s really sad news.”

He then added: “Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash aged just 28. He was with his brother André Silva in the accident. It’s really shocking as he’s only just recently got married and he’s the father of three young children as well.”

Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley shared the heartbreaking news on This Morning (Credit: ITV)

Diogo Jota’s wife and young kids

Jota married long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso on June 22. They met at school when they were aged 13.

It’s really sad news.

The couple had three gorgeous children together. They welcomed their first son, Denis, in 2021 before their second boy, Duarte, was born in 2023. They also welcomed a little girl, whose name has not been shared, in October 2024.

Ben Shephard shares sadness on This Morning

This Morning host Ben then crossed to Nick Ferrari, who had more details.

“Here’s what we do know. He was travelling with his brother, who is another football player, he’s 28 and his brother is 26. They have both been killed, it has been confirmed,” said Nick.

He then continued: “It’s come two weeks after the Liverpool star was married, which is an absolute tragedy of course. I can tell you, fans are already gathering at Anfield and laying flowers. He was a big Liverpool star, a big presence, he was a fan favourite at Liverpool. And I’m sure later today, Ben, we’ll see a lot of grief up at Anfield.”

Nick concluded: “It’s a truly shocking story. But a 28-year-old man, two weeks after he married his long-term girlfriend. An absolute tragedy.”

Ben agreed and also added: “And off the back of winning the Premier League with Liverpool and Portugal beating Spain in the Nations League. He had a great season then a really special summer marrying his wife. Really really sad. We’ll bring you more details of that as and when we get it.”

Tributes pour in

Following the announcement, tributes to the footballer have poured in.

Strictly pro Gorka Marquez shared a black-and-white image of Diogo Jota to Instagram and said: RIP. So sad.” Piers Morgan said: “He only got married two weeks ago. Heartbreaking.” Kirsty Gallacher also shared her sadness, posting a crying emoji. Emmerdale star Danny Miller also posted a heart emoji.

His Portuguese teammate Ronaldo shared: “Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”

Footballer Alan Shearer also said the news was “heartbreaking”. David Seaman also shared: “Such a devastating loss. My deepest condolences to his family.” Chris Kamara posted a tribute too, he said: “Oh no! What a player and a lovely man as well. This is horrific news.”

A minute’s silence will be held for the brothers tonight ahead of Portugal vs Spain at the Women’s Euros.