Tributes pour in outside Molineux following shock death of former Wolves star Diogo Jota

The 28-year-old, as well as his brother Andre, 25, were involved in a fatal car accident in the early hours of Thursday (July 3) in the Spanish province of Zamora.

A fans' favourite during his time at Molineux, Jota made 131 appearances for the club between 2017 and 2020, scoring 44 goals and helping Nuno Espirito Santo's side earn promotion to the Premier League and back-to-back European campaigns.

Supporters gathered outside the Billy Wright Stand at Molineux to lay scarves, flowers and shirts in memory of their former player, and shared their shock at the tragic news.

"I'm heartbroken to hear the news," supporter Adam Farmer told the Express & Star. "When my mate messaged me I thought it was rumours about him going to [Aston] Villa.

"When I looked I was just lost for words really. The fact he was married so recently, his kids and his wife, to see all that taken away is truly devastating.

Discussing his favourite memories of the Portuguese forward during his time at Wolves, Adam said: "All the emotion that came with his goal against [Manchester] United in the FA Cup quarter-final, right in front of the South Bank. I'll never forget that feeling, it was always such a fond memory whenever I saw him play and now it'll be something that stays with me forever."

Thomas Gibson said: "I was in shock - I didn't know what to say. It's one of those moments where you don't even really think about football.

"He was a fantastic player - won the Premier League, Champions League and everything - but more importantly he's a human and we have to sympathise with that.

"He scored our first goal in Europe, he was such a big character and had some amazing moments. The FA Cup goal against United, there was a goal here against Villa that put us top of the league at the time.

"A big thing is how his family are going to cope, and it's important to remember it's not just Diogo, it's his brother too."

Ash Biggs laid flowers at the Billy Wright statue, and told the Express & Star: "It's horrendous. My friend texted me this morning and it still hasn't sunk in.

"It's just no age, is it? But you know what we're like at the Wolves, we look after our own, and he's still one of our own and always will be.

"There was the goal against United, there was the turn against Spurs away to set Jimenez up. He just always put 100 per cent in, and he left on a high.

"Even when he left he was one of those players who everyone still loved and he would always have been welcomed back.

"There were rumours going around that he could have come back. I don't know if it ever would have happened, but everyone would have loved it if it did."

Wolves podcaster Andy Gillard said: "He was a hero here, and then he went on to Liverpool where he's become a legend of the game. It's devastating news for everybody.

"The Man United quarter-final is probably my favourite game of all time as a Wolves fan, and when his goal went in you could feel the roof lift off. It was incredible.

"He was a massive part of everything that was going well at this club at that time. I think he always held the club in his heart after he left us, and I think that's why we loved him."

Peter Coles, who visited the ground with daughters Dilara and Sara, said: "It's terrible news and we've said a little prayer for his family.

"We saw him play many times, and then following him at Liverpool when he scored we were delighted for him.

"He scored in the last ever Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, and what a legacy he had."

Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood laid a bouquet and paid tribute to Jota. 

A post on social media said: "I've been to Molineux to lay a bouquet in tribute to Diogo Jota on behalf of the city of Wolverhampton. Looking at some of the tributes and speaking to fans was deeply emotional. 

"Diogo - both the player and the man has left an indelible mark on our city. May he rest in peace."