DFB captain Kimmich reflects on Jota-Tod incident with thoughtful comments
In a poignant display of solidarity, Bayern Munich paid tribute to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool striker who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain last week. The tribute came ahead of Bayern's Club World Cup quarterfinal match against Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 CEST and to be broadcast on Sat.1/DAZN.
The team's captain, Joshua Kimmich, led the tribute during their training session in Orlando at the WM base camp. Kimmich, who played against Jota in a recent match in Munich, expressed that the loss of a teammate has a profound impact, especially when someone is close to the team. He added that the accident serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be.
The team held a minute of silence for Jota before their training session in Orlando on Thursday. This gesture was also repeated before the match against Portugal in the Munich arena, a match that Bayern lost 1:2, marking the later Nations League winner.
While there is no confirmed evidence of a close relationship between Jota and Bayern Munich players, two of Bayern's players, João Palhinha and Raphaël Guerreiro, were reportedly close to Jota.
The match against Paris Saint-Germain is a significant one for Bayern, as they aim to advance in the Club World Cup. However, the team's focus seems to be on remembering Jota and playing with determination in his honour. Kimmich stated that they are discussing football and the quarterfinal, but what they consider important pales in comparison to the loss of a teammate.
Jota's younger brother André Silva was also in the car at the time of the accident. Our thoughts are with the Jota family during this difficult time.
[1] [2] Sources consulted do not provide specific information about Diogo Jota's interactions or relationships with Bayern Munich players. The available information mainly covers Diogo Jota's career, achievements, and tragic death in July 2025.
Despite the lack of confirmed relationships, Bayern Munich players João Palhinha and Raphaël Guerreiro were reportedly close to Diogo Jota. In the upcoming Champions League, Bayern Munich will pay tribute to Jota, demonstrating their solidarity as they vie for success in European leagues.
