Sports
JUST IN: Liverpool star Diogo Jota, brother dies in car crash days after his wedding
Liverpool star, Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 following a road traffic accident in Spain.
The Liverpool forward passed away following an accident in Zamora, Spain on Thursday morning.
Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, later confirmed that Jota’s brother, Andre, 26, also died in the accident.
The news comes just under two weeks after the Portugal international got married to his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso, with whom he has two children. They tied the knot on 22 June.
Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash with a statement which read: “The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora.
A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.
“1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident.
“From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene.”
Proenca paid tribute to Jota in a statement on social media shortly after the news broke.
He said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
Diogo Jota recently got married to Rute Cardoso”
The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship.
“Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy.
“Portugal prime minister Luis Montenegro also paid tribute on social media.
He wrote: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
“I leave the family my deepest condolences. It’s a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”
Jota’s previous club, FC Porto, also paid tribute to the forward and his brother.
They wrote: “FC Porto is in mourning. “It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.
Rest in peace.”Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds, including six last season as the Reds won the Premier League title.
He also won the FA Cup and League Cup with Liverpool and the Nations League twice with the Portugal national team.
Sports
Rivers United escape tragedy after team bus crash
In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.
Photo: Rivers United bus crash, 4 June 2026
Players and officials of Rivers United escaped serious injury on Thursday after the club’s team bus was involved in a road accident while travelling to Anambra State for a President Federation Cup fixture.
The Nigeria Premier Football League side was on its way to Awka for a Round of 16 clash against Nasarawa United when the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.
The Vanguard reported that the accident happened shortly after the team departed from its camp, raising concerns among supporters and members of the football community.
In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.
The club said those affected were receiving medical attention and remained in stable condition.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Federation Unveils New National Coaching Structure
The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its national coaching setup, appointing new technical staff across its Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, age-grade, and Beach Volleyball teams.
This strategic move aims to bolster the technical development of the sport and ensure robust preparation for upcoming regional, continental, and international competitions.
The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.
New coaching teams have also been named for the Under-19 Boys and Girls, Under-17 Boys and Girls, and both Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball teams. Notable appointments include Adamu Nite for the U19 Boys, Vincent Unogwu for the U19 Girls, Sunday Yunana Akapson for the U17 Girls, and Suleiman Ajeigbe for the U17 Boys. John Iwerima and Jonathan Thaj will guide the Men’s Beach Volleyball team, while Kayode and Felicia Amos will oversee the Women’s Beach Volleyball squad.
Godspower A. Odedede, Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, stated that the Federation expects the coaches to leverage their extensive experience and professionalism to drive the national teams towards excellence.
The NVBF reiterated its commitment to cultivating a strong talent pipeline and a culture of achievement to enhance Nigeria’s standing in both indoor and beach volleyball.
Source: LEADERSHIP
Sports
Real Madrid presidential candidate vows to sign Haaland, Rodri from Man City
To back his promises, the 37-year-old businessman signed a notarised personal guarantee committing to pay 100% of the membership fees for all Real Madrid socios (members) next season if he fails to deliver on signing either player.
•Enrique Riquelme\ Getty images
Real Madrid presidential candidate, Enrique Riquelme has vowed to sign Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri if he defeats incumbent Florentino Pérez in the club’s upcoming election.
Riquelme made the bold pledge during a Wednesday appearance on the popular Spanish television program ‘El Hormiguero’ on Antena 3.
He claimed to have agreements in place for both players and displayed what he described as signed documents related to Haaland’s potential move.
“If I win the elections as new president, Rodri will play for Real Madrid. I will do everything for it,” Riquelme said, according to reports from the broadcast.
He added that Haaland “has a release clause and wants to come to Madrid.”
To back his promises, the 37-year-old businessman signed a notarised personal guarantee committing to pay 100% of the membership fees for all Real Madrid socios (members) next season if he fails to deliver on signing either player.
(THE SUN)
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