A 10-year-old boy, Obanijesu, from Lagos, has been left heartbroken following the tragic death of his football hero, Diogo Jota, the Portuguese forward for Liverpool FC who died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025.
The young Liverpool fan, who described Jota as “like a big brother,” reportedly burst into tears and could not be consoled after hearing the news.
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His parents said he had an emotional breakdown upon learning that the player, who would have turned 29 in a few days, had died alongside his brother, André Silva, in a road crash on the A-52 highway near Zamora, Spain.
Jota and his brother were returning from a trip following the footballer’s recent wedding and a period of medical recovery. A tyre blowout caused their Lamborghini to veer off the road and catch fire. Both men were declared dead at the scene.
Obanijesu, a passionate Liverpool supporter, said Jota’s goals and humility made him love the club even more. “I can’t believe it. I’ll keep wearing his jersey forever. This is the saddest day of my life,” the boy told reporters, wiping tears.
Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and was a key part of the club’s recent success under manager Jürgen Klopp. Tributes have poured in from across the world, including from Cristiano Ronaldo, Prince William, UEFA, and Liverpool FC.
Obanijesu’s parents said the boy’s grief was “deeper than we imagined,” and they are helping him cope with the loss of his football idol.
As the football world continues to mourn, young fans like Obanijesu are showing just how far Jota’s impact reached — beyond stadiums and screens, into the hearts of children across the globe
