'A five-star person' - Diogo Jota tragedy 'very difficult' for Portugal as assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho opens up on Liverpool hero's absence

Carvalho has revealed the national team squad is still "processing the loss" of Jota, more than two months after the Liverpool forward’s tragic death. Speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola ahead of a charity match on Monday, the former Chelsea defender opened up on the profound and lasting impact the tragedy has had on the entire camp.

Carvalho paid a moving tribute to the 28-year-old, remembering him as much for his character as for his on-field talent. 

"I think we're still processing the loss of Diogo, who was an important person, a five-star person," Carvalho said. "It was a tragedy, and to this day we're still coming to terms with the fact that he's not with us." The assistant coach also spoke of the heartbreak for Jota's family, adding: "It's even harder for the family... the parents, Rute, the children... It's very difficult. When you think about them, the pain increases."

Jota and his brother Andre, 26, were killed in a car accident in Spain on July 3. The news sent shockwaves through the football world, coming just two weeks after Jota had married his partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. Jota was a pivotal figure for both club and country, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool after joining from Wolves in 2020. During his time at Anfield, he won the Premier League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups. He also earned 49 caps for Portugal, with his final major honour being the UEFA Nations League title won just last month.

Carvalho's emotional comments highlight the deep void Jota has left within the Portugal squad. As the national team prepares for its upcoming fixtures in October, it is clear they are still grappling with the grief of losing a key player and a universally respected teammate. The focus for the squad, and the wider football community, remains on honouring his memory and providing continued support for his family, friends, and club-mates during an unimaginably difficult time. After winning the Nations League this year, it will indeed be difficult to see Portugal going to the 2026 World Cup without Jota.