Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car crash at the age of 28, alongside his younger brother, André Silva.
The fatal accident occurred early Thursday morning in the Spanish province of Zamora. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini when the vehicle suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another car at around 00:30 local time. The car veered off the road and caught fire.
Jota’s death comes just 11 days after he married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. The couple recently shared photos from their wedding on 22 June.
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves for £41 million in 2020, made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals. He played a key role in the club’s successes over the past few years, helping them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 and last season’s Premier League title.
In a statement, Liverpool said:
“We are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. His talent, dedication, and infectious spirit made him a cherished member of our club and community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who loved him.”
Wolves, where Jota scored 44 goals in 131 appearances between 2017 and 2020, added:
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten.”
Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira before joining Atlético Madrid in 2016. He spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Porto, where his younger brother André was also in the youth ranks.
André Silva, 25, was a professional footballer at Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel. He had also played for Gondomar and several academy sides in Portugal. Penafiel confirmed his passing, expressing “deep shock and grief.”
Jota made his international debut for Portugal in 2019 and earned 49 caps, scoring 14 goals. He played his final match for the national team on 8 June in their UEFA Nations League victory over Spain.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released a statement, saying:
“We are completely devastated. Diogo Jota was not just an exceptional footballer, but an extraordinary person with infectious joy and unmatched character. We have lost two champions. Their legacy will not be forgotten.”
A minute’s silence will be held before Portugal’s Women’s Euro qualifier against Spain on Thursday in memory of the brothers, UEFA confirmed.
Tributes have poured in from across football and beyond. Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, said:
“The deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva are a tragic and unexpected loss. Diogo honoured Portugal at the highest level. My deepest condolences to their family. It’s a sad day for football.”
FC Porto president and former Chelsea and Tottenham manager André Villas-Boas added:
“This is a moment of profound dismay. Diogo and André represented Porto with pride, and their loss is not just to football but to humanity. We will remember them for their talent and their values.”
Diogo Jota and André Silva leave behind not only promising football careers but lives that touched teammates, coaches, and supporters across the world.
