Liverpool Forward Diogo Jota Killed in Car Crash With Brother
Liverpool and Portugal national team forward Diogo Jota has passed away at age 28 after a fatal car accident in northwest Spain, according to Spanish and Portuguese media.
The accident occurred early Thursday morning at around 1:30 a.m. on the A-52 highway near the town of Cernadilla in the Zamora province. Zamora24horas says that Jota and his brother, André Silva—who was a footballer with FC Penafiel—both lost their lives in the accident.
Emergency services, including the Traffic Civil Guard, the Zamora Provincial Fire Brigade, and medical staff from the Mombuey Health Center, responded rapidly to the scene. The Castilla y León emergency coordination center reported that the vehicle was in flames, and both bodies were pronounced dead at the site.
Witnesses described the car as being ablaze following the crash, possibly due to a burst tire, Marca reports. The fire supposedly extended to the nearby vegetation, complicating rescue efforts.
Recent Wedding
The tragedy comes days after Jota had wedded his long-time girlfriend Rute Cardoso in a private ceremony in Porto. The two, who started dating in 2012, have three children together. They tied the knot on June 22, with both Jota and Cardoso sharing videos of the ceremony on social media.
Career and Tributes
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and has netted 65 times in 182 appearances for the club. He played a key role in the team’s recent successes, including the 2024 Premier League title win. Internationally, he has nearly 50 caps for Portugal and has won two UEFA Nations League titles.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) issued an emotional statement on Thursday morning, describing the deaths of Diogo and André as “irreparable losses” for Portuguese football.
“More than an excellent player, Diogo Jota was an exemplary human being, respected by colleagues and opponents,” the statement read. “We extend our condolences to their families and loved ones, and to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel.”
FPF also said it has requested UEFA for a minute’s silence in their memory prior to the Women’s European Championship game against Spain.
Football figures and personalities have since tributed. The news was branded “heartbreaking” by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, while journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted, “Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved. May his soul rest in peace.” Broadcaster Piers Morgan also tweeted shock and grief at the event, calling it “devastating.”
Legacy
Diogo Jota is left with a lasting legacy as one of Portugal’s finest modern forwards—a player whose clinical finishing, tireless work rate, and vibrant personality on and off the pitch made him loved by all. His death is being mourned across the footballing world.
Liverpool Forward Diogo Jota Killed in Car Crash With Brother