Spanish traffic police in Zamora province say “all the evidence” indicates that Diogo Jota was behind the wheel of a Lamborghini that crashed and burst into flames on the A‑52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria in the early hours of Thursday, killing the 28‑year‑old Liverpool forward and his 25‑year‑old brother André Silva.
“Everything also points to a possible excessive speed beyond the speed limit of the road,”
— Zamora Traffic Police statement
Officers confirmed tyre marks were analysed “about 100 m (330 ft) from the moment of impact” and that Jota was “probably speeding” when a suspected tyre blow‑out occurred during an overtaking manoeuvre.
An expert report is being compiled for the courts, though investigators say the probe was complicated by the intensity of the fire that “almost completely destroyed the car.”
Police Dismiss Road Surface Theory
While some reports suggested uneven asphalt contributed to the crash, Guardia Civil officials said the stretch is not an accident “black spot” and is drivable “beyond the speed limit of 120 km/h (75 mph).”
Journey Cut Short After Fairytale Wedding
The fatal journey came 11 days after Jota married his long‑term partner Rute Cardoso in Portugal.
The couple share three children. Jota and his brother were driving to the port of Santander so the striker could rejoin Liverpool for pre‑season.
Their funeral was held in their hometown of Gondomar near Porto at the weekend.
A Glittering Career in England
Wolves Hero to Liverpool Champion
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Wolves (2017‑2020): 44 goals in 131 games; promotion and Premier League hat‑trick vs Leicester.
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Liverpool (2020‑2025): 65 goals in 182 appearances; two League Cups, one FA Cup and last season’s Premier League title.
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Equalled Robbie Fowler’s seven goals in his first 10 Liverpool appearances.
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Scored the first goal of the Arne Slot era in August and netted the winner in April’s Merseyside derby.
Portugal International
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14 goals in 29 caps; part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League last month.
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Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute on social media, saying Jota’s death “doesn’t make any sense.”
Diogo Jota: “One of Portugal’s Own”
Jota returned to Gondomar in 2022 to open a football academy and inspire local youths.
Liverpool supporters immortalised him with a chant to the tune of “Bad Moon Rising,” hailing him as “a lad from Portugal.”
The final accident report will be submitted to a Spanish court in the coming weeks.
