LeBron James, the renowned basketball star and Liverpool investor, offered his heartfelt condolences following the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, early Thursday morning. The loss has deeply affected both the football world and the broader sporting community, highlighting James’ connections to Liverpool and his compassion for fellow athletes.
Diogo Jota, aged 28, lost his life alongside his younger brother Andre Silva, also a professional footballer in Portugal, when their vehicle crashed and both were declared dead at the scene. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, as Jota was widely recognized for his energy on the pitch and recent achievements.
International Support and James’ Personal Message
LeBron James, who plays for the LA Lakers and is recognized globally for his accomplishments in basketball, publicly mourned Jota’s passing through social media. As someone with a direct investment in Liverpool Football Club, James acknowledged the gravity of the moment by reaching out to Jota’s family in their time of loss.
“My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”
—LeBron James, Four-time NBA Champion
James’ message resonated with fans and reinforced the camaraderie that often extends beyond the boundaries of individual sports. Jota’s recent successes make his passing even more poignant; he recently contributed to Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph and played a key role in securing the English Premier League title for Liverpool. Just ten days before the accident, Jota had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, which makes his loss even more heartbreaking for family and supporters alike.
LeBron James’ Strong Ties to Liverpool FC
LeBron James has long demonstrated enthusiasm for soccer. His involvement with Liverpool began in 2011, when he purchased a 2% stake in the club—then valued at $6.5 million—which marked the start of his active support for the Premier League team.
“I’ve always wanted to be involved in soccer,”
he said in 2011.
“I’m a huge fan of the game and I’m proud to be a part of the Liverpool Football Club. It’s a historic and world-renowned club, and it’s a privilege to be involved.”
—LeBron James
Before formalizing his investment, James visited Anfield, Liverpool’s legendary home stadium, to absorb the club’s rich history and connection with its supporters. His firsthand experience of the atmosphere solidified his desire to become part of the organization.
“And then to be at Anfield and see 40,000 fans screaming at the top of their lungs, the whole game was an unbelievable experience for me,”
he added. —LeBron James
James was especially impressed by the personalities within the club, including legends such as Kenny Dalglish, Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard, and Dirk Kuyt. He spoke candidly of his encounters, acknowledging the distinct character and traditions he found at Liverpool.
“King Kenny is something else. His accent is very strong. So it was very difficult to understand what he was saying – but it was great being around him and (Luis) Suarez and Gerrard and Dirk (Kuyt) and those guys. I was very humbled that they knew me.”
—LeBron James
Over the last decade, Liverpool has returned to the pinnacle of European football, further elevating the value of James’ investment and strengthening the transatlantic ties between basketball and football communities.
The Broader Impact of Jota’s Loss
The untimely passing of Diogo Jota has left a profound impact on teammates, fans, and the larger football family, including iconic figures like LeBron James. With his contributions for Liverpool on the field and his national pride for Portugal, Jota’s legacy will endure among supporters and fellow professionals. The tragedy underscores how interconnected the world of sports has become, with figures from basketball, football, and beyond uniting in moments of grief, and highlights the enduring support within global athletic circles. As Liverpool and Portugal mourn Jota and his brother, the response from individuals such as LeBron James signals the solidarity and compassion shared across sporting boundaries.