WIMBLEDON ALLOW 148-YEAR RULE TO BE BROKEN FOLLOWING TRAGIC DEATH OF FOOTBALL STAR

(Getty/Julian Finney)

In a 148-year first, players competing at Wimbledon will break the strict all-white dress code in memory of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota.

Players can choose to wear black armbands following the sudden death of Jota, 28, who died in a car accident with his brother André in Zamora, Spain.

Reports have emerged that the car burst a tyre and veered off the road in the early hours of Thursday morning local time, as it then engulfed in flames.

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Jota recently won the Premier League title with English giants Liverpool, as well as the Nations League with Portugal.

The tragedy comes less than two weeks after getting married, and, sadly, leaves behind three young children.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe, including former manager Jürgen Klopp and Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portuguese doubles player Francisco Cabral, who learned about the devastating news before his first-round win against Jamie Murray and Rajeev Ram, was overcome with emotion.

"I didn’t know him personally. But I know a friend who knew him. A great guy," he said.

"Obviously, very, very sad news. Not only in the sports world but in Portugal overall.

"He’s such an idol. Such an icon. Such a good person. I am very sad to hear what happened.

"I got the news when I was driving to Wimbledon. I wish all the best for his family. He had great people around him. I hope they can get through it.

"He was really hard working, what he had come through, what he had conquered in his career and life. Very inspiring for me.

"He plays in the national team. One of the best teams in the world. I followed the games and when he scored, I was happy for him.

"In the back of my head while I was playing, I was sad as everyone is in Portugal. I had to play the game. I had to focus on my game. I'm sad, of course."

When asked if he would want to wear a black armband in his next match to commemorate Jota, the doubles world No.42 said: "I'm open to doing it.

"I need to get a black strip to put on my shirt. If someone can arrange that for me, I will be very, very happy to do it... He's such a legend of our country."

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