Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

LeBron James Saddened By Death Of Liverpool Star

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 11:28 AM ET

Tragedy struck the soccer world today as Liverpool F.C. star striker Diogo Jota lost his life in a car accident today.

Hours ago, multiple outlets reported that Jota and his brother Andre were killed in a crash in Spain. Early reports have indicated that Jota's car suffered a tire blowout while overtaking another car and veered off the road before catching on fire.

Tributes have been pouring in all morning here in the United States from countless Liverpool and general soccer fans. Perhaps the most high-profile Liverpool fan in the U.S. is NBA megastar LeBron James, who is also a minority shareholder in the iconic soccer team.

Taking to X this morning, the four-time NBA champion offered his condolences to the beloved soccer star.

"My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!" LeBron wrote.

My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!! ❤️ https://t.co/B3tYVJJxkA
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 3, 2025

Born in Portugal, Jota started playing at the age of eight and spent nearly a decade in the youth soccer ranks before making his pro debut with Pacos de Ferreira in his home town of Porto.

After two wildly successful years at Pacos, he signed a five-year deal with the prestigious La Liga club Atletico Madrid. But after going to England's Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan, he ultimately moved to the club permanently in 2018.

In 2020, Jota was transferred to Liverpool for over £41 million and he quickly proved to be an invaluable player to the team. Over his first four seasons at the club he scored 56 goals in 145 games across all competitions, with 41 of them coming in the Premier League.

Aug 3, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Liverpool forward Diogo Jota (20) celebrates a goal with midfielder Harvey Elliott (19) against Manchester United at Williams-Brice Stadium.Jeff Blake-Imagn Images.

This past season, under a new regime, Jota played in 26 games and scored six goals. He helped Liverpool win the Premier League, claiming the first top division title of his professional career.

At the international level, Jota was capped 49 times for his native Portugal and scored 14 goals.

June 8 would mark the final soccer game of his career as he helped Portugal defeat Spain in the UEFA Nations League Finals to claim the second tournament title of his career.

Our hearts go out to Jota's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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