Blogs

LIVERPOOL have led tributes following the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

The 28-year-old died in a car crash while driving through Zamora, Spain, in a Lamborghini when a tyre suddenly burst and sent the car veering off the road before igniting into flames.

Reuters

Liverpool have paid tribute following the tragic death of Diogo Jota[/caption]

Reuters

The club described him as a truly clutch figure’[/caption]

The horrific incident killed both Jota and his younger brother, 25-year-old André Silva, who played for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.

Jota is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Rute, whom he had married only 10 days earlier, and three children.

Tributes and well-wishes poured in from all over the world since the heartbreaking news came to light.

This included team-mates and managers, past and present, and numerous celebrities and prominent figures.

On Thursday evening, Liverpool themselves posted a lengthy homage to the late attacker, describing him as a “truly clutch figure” before announcing they would “immortalise” his No20 shirt number.

The club’s statement, which recounted his career with the Anfield outfit said: “‘He will take us to victory,’ sang the Liverpool fans in his honour – and Diogo Jota so often did exactly that.

“The Portugal forward, who has tragically passed away in a road traffic accident at the age of 28, was a truly clutch figure for the Reds, in just the right place when his team needed his finishing knack.

“He arrived at Anfield in September 2020, enhancing the new Premier League champions’ attacking ranks by making the switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“Jota’s career had started out in his home country at Pacos de Ferreira and a senior debut in 2014 kicked off a rise to glory in the club and international game.

“Signed by Atletico Madrid in 2016, he would not actually appear for the Spanish side, instead enjoying a productive next campaign on loan at FC Porto, honing his scoring skills and gaining Champions League experience.

“Another loan, this time to Wolves, beckoned and Jota was a key protagonist in firing the Midlands outfit out of the Championship with 17 goals during 2017-18.

“Capable of playing across all attacking positions, his work-rate and nimbleness enabled him to foil defenders in all kinds of ways, and those talents were successfully transferred permanently to the Premier League.

“Back-to-back seventh-placed finishes for Wolves in England’s top flight came alongside a run to the Europa League last eight in 2019-20 that saw Jota score nine times.

“Liverpool then swooped to recruit him and despite the unenviable challenge of forcing his way into a front line already composed of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, his impact was quick and considerable.

“Indeed, Jota reached double figures for goals by his 21st Reds appearance, a tally that included a scintillating hat-trick away at Atalanta in the Champions League.

“An untimely injury prevented him from continuing that start but he returned to clinical effect, racking up 21 strikes in all competitions as Jürgen Klopp’s side almost achieved a quadruple in 2021-22, lifting the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup.

“‘The slotter’ was vital to those triumphs, a brilliant cameo against Leicester City in the quarter-finals of the former followed with a tie-deciding double at Arsenal in the semi-finals, while there was an FA Cup winner in the last eight versus Nottingham Forest.

“Though fitness misfortunes prevented Jota from always being able to feature in the seasons that followed, he continued to tot up goals and assists for the cause, relied upon by Klopp and his successor, Arne Slot.

“A cool head on the pitch – just remember his 94th-minute Anfield decider against Tottenham Hotspur in April 2023 – and a respected and much-loved team-mate off it.

“What cruelly has proved to be his final flourish in football saw Jota become a Premier League champion and a UEFA Nations League winner.

“The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winners – the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life.

“To arrive at this particular season with the title that I’ve been chasing for a lot of years and in the best league in the world – for me where I dreamed to play as a kid – it’s a moment I will cherish forever,” he said.

“It is a remarkable achievement for a small guy that came from Gondomar, where I had this dream. To arrive at this moment was outstanding.”

“More joy and special moments followed just last month as Portugal – Jota represented his country 49 times and 14 of his overall senior total of 150 goals came in internationals – lifted the Nations League trophy.

“And he then celebrated marriage to wife Rute, with whom he had three children, on June 22.

“‘His name is Diogo,’ rang the chorus of that very own supporter chant. And we’ll never forget it. RIP Diogo Jota, 1996-2025.”

Jota’s and Silva’s funerals will be in their hometown of Gondomar near the Portuguese city of Porto.

Local priest Jose Manuel Macedo initially announced the ceremonies would take place at 4pm on Friday before confirming they had been rescheduled to Saturday morning.

Father Macedo said a wake would take place at Sao Cosme Chapel before the funeral mass on Saturday morning at the Catholic church next door – the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.

PORTUGAL Women’s manager Francisco Neto fought back tears as fans paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of Portugal’s Women’s Euros opener against Spain.

Supporters inside the stadium held pictures, shirts and signs aloft to pay their respects to Jota, who lost his life today alongside brother Andre Silva in a tragic car accident.

AFP

Spain and Portugal observed a minute’s silence ahead of their Women’s Euros game following the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva[/caption]

AP

Fans in the crowd held signs aloft for the pair[/caption]

Getty

The big screen in the stadium displayed an image of Jota[/caption]

AP

Fans also held photos of Jota aloft[/caption]

X @OptusSports

Portugal manager Francisco Neto had tears in his eyes during the tributes[/caption]

REUTERS

Liverpool star Jota has tragically died aged 28[/caption]

FC Porto

He and his brother Andre Silva have sadly lost their lives in a car accident[/caption]

The heartbreaking news that Jota, 28, and Silva, 25, had passed shocked the football world this morning.

In wake of the news, Uefa confirmed that a minute’s silence would be held ahead of Portugal vs Spain in the Women’s Euros tonight.

Jota and Silva both heralded from Portugal, with Jota representing his nation 49 times before his untimely death.

During the fans’ emotional tribute, Portugal boss Neto was seen with tears in his eyes.

While a picture of Jota appeared on the big screen inside the stadium, alongside the words: “In memory of Diogo Jota. 1996-2025″.

Players appeared emotional as they stood arm in arm during the moment of remembrance.

Both teams also wore black armbands for the game, which ended in a 5-0 victory for Spain.

Both brothers were professional footballers, with Jota playing for Liverpool and Silva on the books at Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.

Getty

Jota played 49 times for Portugal[/caption]

fk.felippekatia

Diogo Jota died just days after his wedding to Rute Cardoso[/caption]

The pair lost their lives in a tragic car accident in Zamora, Spain in a Lamborghini when the vehicle’s flat tyre suddenly burst and sent the car veering off the road, police believe.

Moments of silence were also held by clubs at the Club World Cup during their training sessions in the USA today, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG all paying tribute to Jota and Silva.

Among Real Madrid’s minute’s silence was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was Jota’s teammate at Liverpool for five years, making almost 150 appearances together.

Included in PSG’s tribute was Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos – all of whom played alongside Jota for the Portuguese national team.

Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, who played with Jota for Wolves and Portugal, did not train in the wake of his news about his friend.

Jota had got married just 10 days ago to his long-term partner Rute Cardoso and the couple have three children, Dinis, Duarte, and a daughter who was born in 2024.

Personal tributes have also been flooding in for the Jota, including one from Alexander-Arnold.

The England right-back wrote: “Diogo, your family was your world. They were everything.

“For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends.

“When it’s less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend.

“Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

X/ realmadriden

Real Madrid held a minute’s silence for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva[/caption]

Getty

Chelsea also took a moment to remember the pair[/caption]

PA

Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold were teammates for five years, sharing the pitch in almost 150 games[/caption]

Liverpool manager Arne Slot also paid tribute to Jota, describing feelings of “shock and pain” that are “so incredibly raw”.

The title-winning boss added: “For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player.

“He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special.

“I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.

“There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway.

“Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family.

“The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding.

“In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.”

Fellow Liverpool icons such as Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler and David James have all also paid their respects.

AFP

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has paid tribute to Jota[/caption]

LOVE Island viewers have branded an Islander ‘fake’ and insisted he’s ‘using’ a girl to stay in the villa.

Harrison Solomon, 22, entered the popular ITV2 dating show as a “bombshell”.

Eroteme

Love Island fans fear Toni Laites is being “used”[/caption]

Eroteme

Toni and Harrison reconciled their villa partnership after splitting[/caption]

Eroteme

The pair shared a kiss on the terrace[/caption]

He’s been coupled up with US star Toni Laites, 24, although not without their rocky patches.

Taking to X, fans branded the footballer as “fake” and claimed he’s using Toni as means to stay in the villa.

One wrote on X: “I feel like Harrison knew he could go so he’s grabbed Toni to keep himself there. So fake #LoveIsland.”

Another added: “Harrison is using Toni to stay in the villa, because he knows Helena will choose Harry in an instance and his place in the villa is jeopardised. #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK.”

A third shared: “I want toni to be happy but i just feel like harrison is using her.

“If helena wasn’t all for harry they both would’ve went for it and that’s the only reason he ain’t going for her #loveisland #loveislanduk.”

While a fourth chimed in: “Nah Harrison is only going to graft for Toni because he knows Helena is using him.”

Toni previously dumped Harrison in explosive scenes – after a secret kiss came to light.

The footballer confessed he’d kissed fellow Islander Helena on the terrace.

It happened as Toni was on a date with new bombshell arrival Ryan.

He told her: “I was just talking with Helena, we had a little chat and we had one kiss…”

Toni is not best pleased by this revelation and has a few choice words for Harrison before she walks off, leaving Harrison to reflect on his choices.

The following morning, in an attempt to make amends on Toni’s birthday, Harrison prepared breakfast, including eggs sunny side up, red roses, and a handwritten note.

He enlisted the other boys to sing “Happy Birthday” as Toni arrived.

Some viewers feared Toni could even walk away from the ITV2 dating show.

However, the couple later reconciled after Harrison said he’d stop getting to know Helena.

Will they manage to go the distance, or is more drama in store for them?

Love Island airs on ITV2 and ITVX.

Eroteme

Will the pair’s bond go the distance?[/caption]

A FURIOUS Wimbledon star had to be held back from the umpire after his match was controversially suspended just as he was ready to serve for the match.

Ben Shelton’s second-round clash with Rinky Hijikata was allowed to carry on until nearly 9.30pm in the hope of getting it finished.

Getty

Ben Shelton was held back from the umpire as he exploded with anger[/caption]

AP

Darkness had pretty much fallen across SW19[/caption]

Shelton led by two sets and a got an early break in the third.

But after seeing three match points come and go at 5-3 on the Hijikata serve, he was ready for a change of ends then hoped to serve for a straight-sets victory.

However, at 9.29pm, the umpire announced play was called off for bad light as darkness had, in fairness, descended on SW19.

Hijikata grabbed his bags and headed off court but Shelton was fuming.

He immediately pleaded for the match to be continued for one more game to see if he could finish the job.

But his protests fell on deaf ears as he pointed an angry finger towards the umpire and needed to be restrained as his temper understandably boiled over.

The courtside microphones struggled to pick up exactly what Shelton said.

But it was clear he was making a case to play out one more game to see if he could complete the match.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Instead, he will now have to come back on Friday for, quite possibly, just four more points.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

Getty

Shelton tried to get the crowd on side with his antics[/caption]

EXPERTS are warning parents to think twice before buying their child’s bathing suits, as certain colors are more dangerous than others.

Research found that parents are unknowingly putting their children in danger by buying colors that may be invisible underwater.

Getty

Parents are being warned not to dress their children in certain colors (stock photo)[/caption]

On the Beach

Parents should avoid blue, gray and white colors[/caption]

Parents should avoid dressing their children in blue, white, or gray swimsuits, according to On the Beach.

Those three colors were found to be nearly invisible underwater, even if you’re child is just a few feet below the surface.

If the child were to be in any sort of danger, it may be harder for a lifeguard to spot them.

“I’ve swam my entire life and I’ve only recently become aware that there are certain colours that can’t be seen underwater,” Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington told On the Beach. 

“As a parent, I should have been aware of this sooner.”

On the Beach is launching a petition to ban clothing companies from producing children’s swimwear in those colors. 

“Alongside On the Beach, I’m urging the government to review the legislation around selling blue, white and grey swimwear to children,” Adlington said. 

“They must make sure retailers are being safe and looking after our children by not selling unseeable swimwear that could put them in danger.” 

According to the organization, about 66% of children still wear plain blue, white or grey swim apparel. 

The UK-based Royal Life Saving Society found that there was an 85% increase in the number of child drownings in England between 2019 and 2022.

 “It is essential that water safety education and experience for children should be taken forward regionally and nationally,” the RLSS director, Lee Heard, said in the report.

“There is a requirement to nationally revise and reform the current approach to swimming and water safety education.”

Colors such as pink, yellow, red, black, purple, and green are all safe to wear while underwater. 

“It is vital that the Government takes action now so that children can be seen at all times in the water,” On the Beach’s petition reads.

“Lives are at stake. 

“Please help us end putting children’s lives in unnecessary danger and sign this petition for change.”

Supporters of the petition backed the organization’s mission, mentioning their own anecdotes.

“As a lifeguard myself, when families come swimming in these particular colours, it becomes a lot harder to make sure all children are safe,” one supporter named Megan wrote.

“It’s a small request to ask retailers not to sell swimwear to boys and girls in those particular colors if it’s going to save children’s lives,” another commenter wrote.

The petition has 3,903 verified signatures so far.

BOMBHSELL allegations swirling around Meghan Markle are “dynamite” and “prove she saw Harry as a stepping stone”, an expert claimed.

Esteemed royal biographer Phil Dampier shared his opinions on the latest claims made by Sally Bedell Smith, the late Queen, and her closest confidants.

Alamy

The couple wed in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in May 2018[/caption]

Getty

Sally Bedell Smith claimed Meghan was welcomed in with open arms[/caption]

AP

Harry, Meghan and the late Queen standing together in 2018[/caption]

He sat down on the Royal Exclusive show with The Sun’s royal editor Matt Wilkinson, alongside co-guest Esther Okraku.

According to “very well respected royal biographer” Bedell Smith, Queen Elizabeth II had shared her alleged doubts over the new Duchess, and feared Harry was “weak”.

Mr Dampier said the author was extremely close to Lady Elizabeth Anson, who was a confidante and a cousin of the Queen.

“And Liza Shockley, as Sally Smith likes to call her, she was speaking to the Queen on a regular basis right up until her death, spoke to her every day, even in lockdown,” he continued.

Mr Dampier claimed, therefore, this meant information had come “right from the horse’s mouth”.

He also alleged “we can trust this information”, which is “very, very telling”.

In harsh comments, he the expert shared his thoughts: “And to be honest, it confirms what we’d already suspected that you know, that at first the Queen was very keen on Meghan.”

Mr Dampier further alleged the Queen’s reported “doubts” about Meghan “ruined her close relationship with Harry”.

Bedell Smith also claimed Meghan was rude to the late Queen for 10 minutes over wedding details.

“She remarked that Harry was perhaps a little bit too much in love, was possibly besotted and a bit weak and being manipulated by Meghan,” he continued.

Sharing his own opinions, Mr Dampier added: “I think, unfortunately, that confirms what I’ve been saying or thought for the last few years that, sadly, Meghan never really had any intention of staying in the royal family.

“She saw as a stepping stone getting married to to Harry to to to new fame and fortune.

“And I think that’s what initially Prince William was concerned about. And that’s why they fell out. And now we are where we are. But to have this confirmed by somebody so close to the Queen is, is is really dynamite.”

Getty

The Royal Family on Buckingham Palace balcony celebrating Trooping The Colour in 2018[/caption]

Alamy

Experts accused Meghan of trying to steal the limelight at Harry’s Invictus Games[/caption]

Getty

Prince William, Princess Kate and the Sussexes met the public after tributes were left to the Queen[/caption]

Fellow expert, Esther Okraku, echoed these strong opinions and added how there’s a “thread of commonality” regarding allegations clouding Meghan.

She touched on previous comments made by King Charles that Harry was “whipped”.

“I think she was welcomed, like much of the country, with open arms,” Ms Okraku continued.

“I think where things went wrong was clearly the cultural clash.

“And I think in some ways Meghan thought she was marrying a billionaire, but was marrying a millionaire, with like sort of a reduced status. So that might have been, not appealing eventually.”

This comes as for the first time, the Queen’s private concerns have been made public in heartbreaking detail — showing just how perceptive she proved to be.

This week Sally published “explosive” revelations made to her by one of Her Majesty’s closest confidantes, her first cousin once removed, Lady Elizabeth Anson, in several conversations in 2018 and 2019.

Lady Elizabeth claimed there were serious concerns in the upper echelons of the Palace, long before Harry and Meghan made themselves royal pariahs.

Just days before the wedding, she had told Sally: “We hope but don’t quite think [Meghan] is in love.

“We think she engineered it all.”

She added: “It’s worrying that so many people are questioning whether Meghan is right for Harry.

“The problem, bless his heart, is that Harry is neither bright nor strong, and she is both.”

In another exchange, Lady Elizabeth said: “I don’t trust Meghan an inch.

“Meghan could turn into nothing but trouble.”

The shock revelations were released this week in Sally’s Royals Extra feature on publishing platform Substack.

The observations by Lady Elizabeth, who died from lung cancer in November 2020 aged 79, show the warning signs were there from the start — and proved well-founded.

She said Meghan had initially appeared “natural, intelligent and thoughtful” after getting engaged to Harry in 2017.

But as their wedding approached, they both caused a stir with their poor behaviour — and blatant disrespect for the Queen.

Harry was reportedly “rude to her for ten minutes” in one meeting and upset her by asking the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the wedding service in May 2018, without first seeking permission from the Dean of Windsor.

As a high-society event planner herself, Lady Elizabeth — who was born at Windsor Castle in 1941 and was also King George VI’s goddaughter — understood all too well just what an embarrassing situation this put the Queen in.

She said at the time: “Harry seems to think the Queen can do what she wants, but she can’t.

“On the religious side, it is the Dean of Windsor’s jurisdiction.”

She added that as a result, “Harry has blown his relationship with his grandmother.”

They did later “patch things up” — but the hurt remained.

As for Meghan, allegations of her “diva-like” behaviour in the run-up to her big day are nothing new.

Indeed, at the time, it was rumoured that she had been nicknamed “Me-gain” by Palace courtiers, thanks to her extensive demands, and among her many complaints, had moaned about the “musty” smell in the chapel.

In 2018 she told Sally that Meghan had rattled the Queen days before the wedding, revealing: “They had tea with her the day before yesterday.

“She was trying to find out about the wedding dress, and Meghan wouldn’t tell her.”

This was enough to spark concern in the Palace, with hushed fears brewing that Meghan could “turn into nothing but trouble” and that — despite royal protocol — “she sees things in a different way”.

As Sally revealed this week: “I asked her if Meghan was being bossy. ‘So I gather,’ Lady Elizabeth replied. ‘Very much so.’”

The biographer continued: “By late February 2019 when Liza [Lady Elizabeth’s nickname] and I spoke on the phone, she said, ‘I don’t trust Meghan an inch. To begin with, she was not bad — a straightforward starlet, used to public speaking and charity work.

“The wedge between the brothers is really too bad.’”

Sadly, the wedge only widened the gap.

In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they had chosen to “transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution”.

At first, it seemed they wanted to keep one foot in the royal fold, while pursuing financial opportunities on the outside.

But after months of negotiations, the Queen and the then Prince Charles laid down the law — they were either fully in or fully out.

There was no in-between.

The couple opted for the latter and moved to the US later that year, infamously launching a crusade of Palace-bashing and com- plaints against the royals in the aftermath.

Getty

Meghan, Prince Harry, and Queen Elizabeth II pose for a picture during the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards Ceremony on June 26, 2018 at Buckingham Palace[/caption]

Instagram

The couple continue to flaunt their relationship online[/caption]

INSTAGRAM

They live in a £2million Montecito mansion in California[/caption]

KYLIE Jenner showed off her incredible figure in a leopard print bikini after her boob job confession.

The makeup mogul and businesswoman, 27, stripped down to the tiny animal print two-piece while holidaying in Italy.

Instagram

INSTAGRAM

The reality star made a boob job confession[/caption]

INSTAGRAM

Kylie put her toned physique on display as she posed for photos at a luxury Tuscany villa.

She was seen eating from a bowl of cherries and holding a wine glass as she soaked up the sunshine in Europe.

The brunette beauty showed off her golden tan in the swimwear as she posed for a string of photos.

In one photo, Kylie scrunched up her nose for a playful snap and in another she sexily smouldered at the camera.

The KUWTK star’s glamorous display comes after she revealed her plastic surgery secrets – including doctor details and breast implant size.

Kylie made the admission in response to influencer Rachel Leary, who had praised her chest as “the most perfect, natural boob job ever” and begged for specifics.

Rachel had uploaded a video on Monday asking Kylie to share what she “asked for” when getting her breasts done.

She captioned it: “Help a girl out @Kylie Jenner, I just want to know how to get them to sit like that, respectfully.”

To the surprise of many, the beauty mogul replied directly to the clip, writing: “445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle!!!!! silicone!!! garth fisher!!! hope this helps lol.”

The TikTok exchange comes two years after Kylie first confirmed she had undergone a secret breast augmentation at 19 – something she denied for years.

Rachel was stunned by the response, replying: “KYLIEEEEE!!! you are the best THANK YOU!!!!”

Fans quickly flooded the comments with praise for the star.

Jenner’s surgeon, Dr. Garth Fisher, is a well-known celebrity doctor and is a longtime favourite of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

He performed Kris Jenner’s facelift on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, gave Kourtney Kardashian her boob job, and even carried out a revision facelift for Caitlyn Jenner pre-transition.

He also removed a tumour from Khloe Kardashian’s face and helped Real Housewives star Lisa Rinna revise her silicone lip fillers.

Kylie first confirmed her surgery in a 2023 episode of The Kardashians, revealing she had the procedure done before giving birth to daughter Stormi, now seven.

She told Stassie Karanikolaou: “I got my breasts done before Stormi. Within six months of having Stormi – not thinking I would have a child when I was 20 – they were still healing.”

She admitted she regretted the decision, adding:
“I had beautiful breasts, like natural t*ts, just gorgeous… and I just wished, obviously, I never got them done to begin with.”

Instagram

The businesswoman opened up about what work she’s had done on her boobs[/caption]

Instagram/kyliejenner

Kylie’s surgeon, Dr. Garth Fisher, is a well-known celebrity doctor[/caption]

SHELBOURNE have appointed Joey O’Brien as the club’s permanent head coach.

O’Brien has served as interim boss following Damien Duff‘s shock departure on June 22.

Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

In that time, the Shels recorded back-to-back draws against Galway Utd and Waterford which leave them fifth in the Premier Division.

And on Thursday, it was confirmed that O’Brien had penned a long-term deal to succeed Damien Duff.

He said: “This is an incredible honour, of course being honest it was unexpected, not something I was thinking about.

“The opportunity came up, and I was asked to take it.

“I didn’t take long to say yes, I’m obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board.

“It’s a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that’s been done over the last few years.

“Leading Shelbourne is a huge honour and I feel very lucky to be given that trust.

“I know first-hand what this club is about, and that’s an advantage coming into the job.

“Over the last three and half years I’ve got to see this club grow.

“This place is full of special people, and fans who have seen it all and stood by the club through everything.

“I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity.

“Myself, the staff and the players, we’re proud to be the custodians of such a historic club, one of the biggest in Irish football, and that’s a great honour but ultimately, Shelbourne Football Club, the heart and soul of it, is the people who are there every Friday night, making this club what it is.

“The job is to make those people proud and create more special memories.

“For the board and the owners, I am delighted to get this chance, it’s now up to me to repay the trust they’ve shown.

“There’s been a great foundation laid over the last three and a half years, and I want to build on that and create even more special moments.

“I’m excited to take this step. I’ve learned a huge amount over the last three and a half years working under Damien, and ultimately, that experience has led to this moment.

“But it’s not about me, it’s all about the players. This is a proud moment for me, but the focus is on them and what we do together from here.”

Chairman Tomas Quinn added: “We’re delighted to appoint Joey O’Brien as the new head coach of Shelbourne FC.

“Joey brings a deep understanding of the game, a wealth of top-level experience, and a clear vision for the future of the club.

“His passion, leadership, and commitment to developing both the team and our culture made him the standout choice.

“We’re confident Joey is the right person to lead us into the next chapter of Shelbourne’s journey, and we’re excited for what lies ahead under his stewardship.”

DEVASTATED Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the club will sing tragic Diogo Jota’s song and vowed the unique player will never be forgotten.

The club boss said he wished he had the words “but know I do not” to pay tribute after the star’s death in a car crash early yesterday.

PA

Liverpool fans leave tributes for deceased star Diogo Jota[/caption]

Getty

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the club will sing tragic Diogo Jota’s song and vowed the unique player will never be forgotten[/caption]

Alamy

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was heartbroken by the death of his ‘great friend’[/caption]

It came as former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was heartbroken by the death of his “great friend” and posted a photo of the pair hugging on the pitch,

He wrote on social media: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!”

FA Patron Prince William also mourned the deaths of the 28-year-old player and his brother André, 26, saying: “As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”

In a statement issued by the club, Slot revealed his last conversation with Diogo was to congratulate him on winning the Nations League, and wish him luck for his wedding.

He said it had been a “dream summer” for the player.

He said Jota summed up the essence of a Liverpool player, with “hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals”.

And he vowed: “When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota. We will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.”

And referencing the song fans sang from the stands for the star, he finished his statement: “His name is Diogo.”

Slot said when he first joined the club last year he realised fans “had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities”.

He described him as “a person who never sought popularity but found it anyway”.

Jurgen Klopp signed Jota from Wolves in September 2020, and the pair became very close.

Jurgen said: “I’m heartbroken. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!”

Tributes from around the world, across sport and politics, poured in for the Liverpool forward and his brother, who was also a footballer.

I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you

Jota’s Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo

Flowers, scarves and messages were laid outside Anfield stadium, where flags flew at half mast, with fans in floods of tears paying their respects.

Jota’s Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said his pal’s tragic death “doesn’t make any sense”.

---

What we know so far:

• Diogo Jota has died aged 28 in a car crash alongside his brother André
• Liverpool FC coming to terms with “unimaginable loss”
• Liverpool ace’s tragic final post just hours before dying in car crash
• Tributes for star forward pour in including Prince William and ex-Liverpool greats
• Jota only got married 10 days ago to longterm partner Rute Cardoso
• Heartbroken Cristiano Ronaldo says crash “doesn’t make sense”
• Read Portuguese FA’s heartbreaking statement in full
• Jota was one of football’s good guys

---

He shared a black and white photo of Jota and said: “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you got married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.

“I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”

England and ex-Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold said: “It’s so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone.”

The Portuguese national team said they are devastated, adding Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the team, but also an extraordinary person.

Diogo’s former club, FC Porto, said it is in mourning. André was also a youth player there.

The Premier League described Jota — who won the competition earlier this year — as a “champion who will be forever missed”.

Uefa said its thoughts were with those affected “by this heartbreaking loss”.

PA

The Liverpool flag flies at half-mast outside Anfield[/caption]

PA

Fans of rival club Everton have also laid tributes at Anfield[/caption]

It said a silence will be observed at Women’s Euro 2025 matches yesterday and today.

Ex-Liverpool star and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said he was “absolutely devastated” and Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15 will be an “outpouring of emotion”.

An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We’ll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P

Ex-Wolves forward Raul Jimenez

He said: “In a state of shock. It’s so sad and devastating for his wife and three wonderful children.”

Jota’s Portugal and former Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves, said: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”

Ex-Wolves forward Raul Jimenez paid tribute, adding: “An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We’ll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P.”

Wolves said he will be “missed and always remembered”.

England’s Jude Bellingham sent “love and strength” to the star’s family.

Comedian and Liverpool fan John Bishop described the news as heartbreaking.

US basketball star LeBron James, a part-owner of Liverpool, wrote on X: “My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You’ll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!”

Manchester City ace Jack Grealish posted a picture of the forward, adding: “Honestly lost for words. So heartbreaking.”

Yesterday, Liverpool fans stood in stunned silence outside Anfield.

Many hugged each other in disbelief as they tried to come to terms with the tragedy.

Deputy PM Angela Rayner, arrived to lay flowers, saying: “I’m absolutely devastated for his wife, his children and his family. Just seeing the outpouring across the whole of the city is incredible.”

Manchester United fan Joe Parsons laid his club scarf at the memorial when he visited with wife Kelly, a Liverpool fan.

Joe, 40, said: “After I put the scarf down, it was amazing how many Liverpool fans shook my hand.

“This isn’t about club rivalry. I had to show my respects. It’s a loss to the whole city. I live in the city.

“I’ve seen tributes from Everton and Rangers too. It’s the football community coming together.”

instagram

Wolves released a statement following the star’s death[/caption]

IT’S always a great sadness to lose a football legend, and truly devastating to see one cut down in their prime.

Diogo Jota’s untimely death is an incomprehensible shock to the global army of Reds fans who worshipped him.

EPA

Diogo Jota’s untimely death is an incomprehensible shock to the global army of Reds fans who worshipped him[/caption]

We see our heroes as indestructible, and the striker Jota was no exception.

He regularly worked miracles.

His final goal for Liverpool confirmed his legendary status: a late winner to push his team closer to that 20th league title.

At the Kop end.

In a Merseyside derby.

Goals don’t come much bigger than that. Jota the Slotter’s crucial strikes earned him the ultimate badge of honour — his own song from adoring Kopites.

Even when on the bench, the crowd would bellow it out to the tune of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s hit Bad Moon Rising.

“He’s a lad from Portugal; better than Figo, don’t you know; Oh, his name is Diogo.”

Barely a month ago, I was among a record 1.5million who saw him and his teammates parade the Premier League trophy through Liverpool on an open-top bus.

It turned into a harrowing day when a motorist drove into a crowd, injuring 109.

Two weeks after that day of triumph and horror, Jota lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy with Portugal.

And only ten days ago he married his sweetheart Rute, mother of his three young children.

Our grief as fans cannot begin to compare with the pain felt by the Jota family, who have lost not only Diogo but his younger brother, Andre.

We see our heroes as indestructible, and the striker Jota was no exception

I’m sure the club and its supporters will ensure they never walk alone.

Over decades as a Liverpool fan, I’ve stood many times in silent tribute to Kop legends – from Bill Shankly and Ron Yeats to Gerard Houllier and Ray Kennedy.

No crowd does it better than Anfield.

But there will be an added poignancy when Diogo is honoured as he enters the pantheon of lost legends at the age of just 28.

I suspect the club will retire the Number 20 he wore as a mark of respect.

But his song will echo on the Kop into eternity.

Alamy

Jota the Slotter’s crucial strikes earned him the ultimate badge of honour — his own song from adoring Kopites[/caption]