The world of football is in mourning after the shocking and tragic death of Diogo Jota, Liverpool and Portugal forward, who died alongside his younger brother André Silva in a devastating car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Diogo Jota, 28, tragically died alongside his brother, André Silva, in a horrific car crash near Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The Civil Guard of Spain confirmed that Jota and Silva tragically died when their Lamborghini suffered a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, skidded off the road and caught fire. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 00:30 local time.
The news has sent shockwaves through the football world, just days after Jota married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three young children.
What Happened?
According to Spain’s Civil Guard, the accident occurred near Zamora, in western Spain, at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time.
The Lamborghini the brothers were travelling in blew a tire while overtaking another vehicle, veered off the road, and burst into flames.
“The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.”
“It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.”
“The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”
“There were no other vehicles involved,” said a Civil Guard spokesperson.
“The car appears to have lost control due to a tire blowout before catching fire. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.”
The Spanish Civil Guard, one of the country’s national law enforcement agencies, is currently investigating the cause of the crash but has confirmed there were no other vehicles directly involved.
Initial reports were first released by the Provincial Zamora Council, which stated that the vehicle had ignited after crashing, and both bodies were found inside the wreckage.
A Love Just Celebrated
The tragedy comes less than two weeks after Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony on June 22, sharing joyful photos across social media.
He had recently returned from international duty, where he helped Portugal beat Spain to win the 2025 UEFA Nations League, his second such title after their 2019 triumph.
ANDRÉ SILVA: THE YOUNGER BROTHER WITH DREAMS
His brother, André Silva, 25, was also a professional footballer, currently playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
A former Porto academy player, he made 59 league appearances for Penafiel after signing in 2023.
“FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
Rest in peace,” the club said.
Diogo Jota: “An Irreparable Loss”
Liverpool Football Club confirmed the incident shortly after, stating:
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.”
“We request privacy for Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates, and all connected during this incredibly difficult time.”
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Jota had made 182 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Wolves in 2020 for £41 million, scoring 65 goals and helping the club win the Premier League (2025), FA Cup (2022), and two Carabao Cups.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released a deeply emotional tribute:
“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva in Spain this morning.
“Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.
“The Portuguese Football Federation would like to offer the deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and André, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the respective clubs of the players.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has asked UEFA to hold a minute’s silence ahead of our national team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship on Thursday.
“We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” read a FPF statement.
“Much more than an amazing player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.”
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.”
The FPF confirmed they have requested a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euro clash with Spain on Thursday.
A Love Just Celebrated
The tragedy comes less than two weeks after Diogo Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony on June 22, sharing joyful photos across social media.
He had recently returned from international duty, where he helped Portugal beat Spain to win the 2025 UEFA Nations League, his second such title after their 2019 triumph.
Diogo Jota’s Career Highlights
Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira, before moves to Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and finally, Liverpool.
He burst onto the international scene with Portugal in 2019, immediately earning plaudits for his goal-scoring prowess, humility, and selfless play.
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182 appearances for Liverpool, 65 goals
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49 caps for Portugal, 14 international goals
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UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025
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Former clubs: Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, Wolves
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Made professional debut at 17; joined Atlético in 2016
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Loan spells at Porto and Wolves before rise to stardom at Liverpool
Jota’s 49th and final appearance for Portugal came on June 8, as Portugal beat Spain in the final of the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. Gone too soon. Never forgotten. (1996-2025)
