In a devastating blow to the world of football, Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 following a car crash in Spain. The accident, which also claimed the life of his brother André Silva, occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning near the city of Zamora.
Jota and his brother were travelling in a Lamborghini along the A-52 motorway, approximately 70 miles west of Valladolid, when one of the vehicle’s tyres reportedly blew out while overtaking another car. The sports car veered off the road and burst into flames, with emergency crews confirming the deaths of both occupants shortly after arriving on scene.
According to Spanish authorities, the crash occurred at around 12:40am. Firefighters and the Civil Guard responded swiftly, extinguishing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to nearby vegetation.
This tragic incident comes less than two weeks after Jota married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso, the mother of their three children. Just days ago, Jota had described himself as “the luckiest man in the world” after tying the knot.
Tributes Flood In from Across the Footballing World
News of Jota’s sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of grief across the footballing community. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said: “Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute & their three kids.”
Rio Ferdinand added: “Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends.”
Jota’s former Wolves teammate and Portugal international Ruben Neves posted: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”
Liverpool FC released a heartfelt statement confirming the news: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”
The Portuguese Football Federation also paid tribute, calling Jota “an extraordinary person, respected by all colleagues and opponents, someone with contagious joy and a reference in his own community”.
A Rising Star of Portuguese Football
Diogo Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves in a £45 million move and quickly became a fan favourite. He made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals and helping the team to the Premier League title last season, as well as FA Cup and League Cup triumphs in 2022.
Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and representing his country at major tournaments.
His brother, André Silva, was also a professional footballer, playing for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel at the time of his death.
As tributes continue to pour in from fans, clubs, teammates and international figures, Diogo Jota will be remembered not just as an elite footballer, but as a loving father, husband, and brother whose life was tragically cut short.
