Liverpool and Portugal international footballer Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in Spain at the age of 28. His younger brother, André Silva, 26, also a professional footballer, was killed in the same incident.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday, 3 July, near Zamora in northwestern Spain. Local authorities confirmed that the vehicle — a Lamborghini driven by Jota — veered off the road, collided, and caught fire. Both brothers were declared dead at the scene by emergency responders.
The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed the accident involved no other vehicles. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released a statement expressing profound sorrow:
“The deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva this morning in Spain have devastated the Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community.”
Pedro Proença, President of the FPF, called the loss “irreparable”, describing Jota as “much more than a fantastic player… an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents.”
The tragic news comes just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to his long-time partner Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children. Jota had shared a video from the wedding, held on 22 June, on his social media just hours before the accident.
Tributes poured in from across the football world. Liverpool FC posted a black-and-white photo of the player, with the caption:
“Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.”
A minute’s silence was held ahead of Portugal’s Women’s European Championship match on Thursday evening in his memory.
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £41 million deal. Known for his versatility, intelligent movement, and finishing, he quickly became a fan favourite. He helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Community Shield, scoring over 50 goals in all competitions during his time at Anfield.
For the national team, Jota earned 48 caps and scored 14 goals, representing Portugal at Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Nations League fixtures. His younger brother André Silva played for FC Penafiel, a Portuguese second division club.
In a separate tribute, FC Penafiel called André Silva “a passionate player and devoted teammate whose energy uplifted everyone around him.”
Portugal’s football community is observing a period of mourning, with messages of condolence shared by teammates, clubs, and officials.
“Two champions have left us,” concluded the FPF. “We shall honour their legacy every day. Their deaths mark an irreversible loss for Portuguese football.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.
