Music icon and lifelong Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter Robert Plant, former frontman of Led Zeppelin, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal footballer who tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3, 2025.
Plantâwho has served as Vice President of Wolves since 2009 and witnessed Jotaâs rise during his loan and permanent spell at the clubâtook to X to express his grief, writing:
âWhat a tragic loss. The dimming of a bright, shining light. Thank you for your magic, Diogo.â
At 76 years old, Plantâs connection to both football and music lends a poignant gravitas to his words: both a fan who saw Jota at Wolves and a rock legend moved deeply by his passing .
 A Star Betrays a Kindred Tribute
Plantâs tribute resonates far beyond the football pitchâit unites two worlds. As a revered figure in rock history and a prominent voice in British football, his words bridge emotional gaps in a moment of collective sorrow.
Reports highlight Plantâs history with Wolves, especially during Jotaâs 2017â18 loan season that led to promotion to the Premier Leagueâmaking the tribute all the more personal .
The Wider Echo of Mourning
Plant was far from alone. The entire football and music community has rallied:
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Oasis, during their Cardiff reunion concert, dedicated their performance of “LiveâŻForever” to Jota, displaying his Liverpool shirt and eliciting roaring applause from 75,000 fans.
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Tributes flooded in from Liverpool teammates, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and manager Arne Slot. Portugalâs national squad wore black armbands during international matches, and FIFA and UEFA held moments of silence at major tournaments.
A Legacy That Transcends Sport
At 28, Jota left behind a remarkable legacy: four trophies with Liverpool, 49 caps for Portugal, and a reputation for humility and flair. He and his brother AndrĂŠ Silva were tragically killed when their Lamborghini suffered a tire blowoutâleading to a crash near Zamora, Spain.
His funeral is scheduled for Saturday in Gondomar, Portugal, after a public wake attended by hundreds of mourners, including dignitaries, teammates, and music fans.
 Plantâs Message: Universal and Deeply Human
Robert Plantâs tribute stands as a touching reminder that grief, admiration, and respect cross boundaries. From rock stages to football stadiums, Jotaâs impact was profound and his absence deeply felt.
Plantâs messageââdimming of a bright, shining light⌠thank you for your magicââcaptures not just a footballerâs talent, but a young manâs spirit that resonated with fans, musicians, teammates, and legends alike.
As mourning continues across Portugal, the UK, and the football world, figures like Plant help remind us of our shared humanityâand how one life, however brief, can leave an enduring imprint on many.
