Liverpool shareholder LeBron James sends emotional Diogo Jota message
Basketball icon LeBron James has shared a tribute to the 28-year-old after it was confirmed that Liverpool forward Jota had tragically lost his life.
James holds a minority stake in Liverpool and is the latest sportsperson to send a tribute message to Jota after he was killed in a car crash in the early hours on 3 July.
Jota had been travelling with his brother, Andre Silva, in the early hours of the morning in the Zamora region of Spain when their car caught fire, killing both at the scene.
The heartbreaking news comes just weeks after the forward had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children.
Tributes on social media have followed from across the football world with Cristiano Ronaldo among those to honour Jota’s memory.
Now, James, part-owner of Liverpool, has sent a message of his own to Jota in a tribute post on X.
LeBron James sends emotional message following Diogo Jota’s tragic death
James shared a heartfelt message on X after hearing the devastating news of Jota’s passing on X. He wrote:
“My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”
The NBA superstar holds a minority stake in Liverpool and has often travelled across the Atlantic to support the Premier League champions.
He purchased a 2% share in the club alongside business partner Maverick Carter for $6.5 million (£4.7 million) in April 2011.
In 2021, James converted his direct stake in Liverpool into a 1% ownership in FSG, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and other sports clubs, whilst also collaborating on a clothing line called LBJ x LFC, featuring a fusion of basketball and football aesthetics.
Diogo Jota to be remembered
During his time at Anfield, Jota played a vital role in the club’s recent successes, helping them secure the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the most recent Premier League title.
Before Liverpool, Jota made his mark at Wolves in the Championship, scoring 17 goals and assisting six as he helped the club gain promotion.
Across 182 appearances for the Reds, he scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists, including 13 goals and assists last season, helping them win the title.
He also enjoyed spells at Atletico Madrid and Porto, with all of his former clubs paying tribute to him on social media.
Liverpool released a statement on 3 July expressing that the club is “devastated” by the news and that Jota’s family, friends, and the fans have suffered an “unimaginable loss.”
Flowers and tributes continue to be laid outside Anfield today, with all thoughts focused on supporting Jota’s family and friends during this time.