WATCH: AFL player Jesse Motlop's unique tribute to Diogo Jota

The prestigious Wimbledon Championship too relaxed its norms in memory of Diogo Jota

Portugal and Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota tragically passed away in a car accident around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday. The 28-year-old and his brother André Silva, 25, died after their Lamborghini veered off the A-52 highway near Zamora, Spain, and caught fire.

The accident sadly happened just days after Jota’s wedding, sending shockwaves through the football community. Preliminary investigations suggest a tire burst while overtaking may have caused the crash.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 for €44.7 million and went on to win three trophies with the club, including last season’s Premier League title. He also played a key role in Liverpool’s run to the UEFA Champions League final in the 2021-22 season, where they finished as runners-up.

The entire social media witnessed mourning and tributes from sportspersons across the world, grieve the untimely death of the young Portuguese and his brother. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Lebron James, everyone posted heartfelt messages on X.

A day after the heartbreak, the world witnessed an emotional moment as Jota’s iconic FIFA celebration was recreated by AFL player Jesse Motlop. When Jota scored the winning goal in the 94th minute against Tottenham in a 4-3 thriller back in 2023, he sat cross-legged and mimicked playing a video game.

The 21-year-old Motlop celebrated his goal for the battling Blues late in the opening quarter with a heartfelt tribute to the late Liverpool forward. While few grasped the meaning of his gesture in real time, replays soon revealed his touching intention, allowing everyone to understand the poignant message behind his celebration.

“Those who know these things better than us are telling us the Motlop celebration is in tribute to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool player who lost his life in a car accident yesterday,” said brodcaster Gerard Whateley on air. “That was one of his trademark celebrations”, he added.

After tennis legend Rafael Nadal offered his condolences to Diogo Jota’s family and friends, Wimbledon relaxed its norms to pay tribute to Jota. Generally strict about its all-white dress code, the tournament made a rare exception, allowing players to wear black ribbons on court to honor Jota and his brother André Silva, who tragically died in a car accident.

Portuguese players Francisco Cabral and Nuno Borges were among those who wore ribbons, with Cabral calling Jota an idol and a symbol of inspiration for Portugal.

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