Zamora, July 3, 2025 (Agencies): Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 following a car crash in northwestern Spain. His younger brother, André Silva, 26, also perished in the accident.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday on the A-52 motorway near the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. According to Spanish authorities, the Lamborghini the brothers were traveling in suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and burst into flames. Emergency services confirmed both men were declared dead at the scene.
Jota’s death comes just 10 days after his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. The couple had celebrated their marriage in Porto on June 22, a moment Jota had described online as “a day we will never forget”.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.” A minute of silence was observed before Portugal’s Women’s Euro match against Spain in tribute.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances. He helped the club win the Premier League in the 2024/25 season, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup in earlier campaigns. Internationally, he earned 49 caps for Portugal and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League twice.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Liverpool FC said it was “devastated by the tragic passing” and requested privacy for the family. Former teammates and rivals, including Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, expressed their condolences, calling the news “heartbreaking”.
Jota’s brother André Silva was also a professional footballer, playing for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division. The two were reportedly enjoying a post-wedding break in Spain when the accident occurred.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the footballing world, with fans gathering outside Anfield to pay tribute to one of the sport’s brightest talents.