Cristiano Ronaldo expressed grief over the death of his compatriot, Liverpool and Portuguese forward Diogo Jota.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain.
'Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre We will all miss you,' Ronaldo posted on his Facebook page.
'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports,' Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro tweeted.
'RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time,' former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard posted.
LA Lakers Player and Liverpool minority owner Lebron James tweeted: 'My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!'
Rafael Nadal also extended his condolences to Jota's family. 'What sad and painful news. All my love, affection and support go out to his wife, children, family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.'
Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic wrote: 'You will be remembered my friend.'
The English Premier League tweeted: 'Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time.Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.'
The Portuguse Football Federation wrote: 'The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning. Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community... We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day."
Wolverhammpton Wanderers tweeted: 'We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.'
Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher wrote: ;Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.'
'They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you,' Portugal and Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves tweeted.
UEFA tweeted: 'On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.'
Portuguese club FC Porto tweeted: 'FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep regret that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.'
Jota's Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah tweeted on Friday: I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Team mates come and go but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back. My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.
Manchester United and Portugal footballer Bruno Fernandes wrote: "There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family, from wherever he is I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children."
Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish wrote: "Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children. Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote: "Aged 28, Diogo has enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at FC Penafiel - they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote: "There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, non fans, who will also be shocked by this. It is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends, for his family."
UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin wrote: "Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow. His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten."
Penafiel FC, Andre Silva's Club wrote: "The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation. At this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared moments of life and passion for sport with Andre and Diogo. The club will declare official mourning and will pay tribute at its upcoming sporting events. Rest in peace."
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