Liverpool Striker Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Die in High-Speed Crash Weeks After His Wedding.
A statement has confirmed the deaths of Portuguese international footballer Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva after a car crash in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora province, Spain. The incident happened at 00:30 local time (23:30 BST) on 30 June 2025.
According to a statement from Spain’s Guardia Civil, the two brothers were in a Lamborghini car that went off the motorway after a tyre blowout while overtaking another car. The car then caught fire and both occupants died. Their identities were confirmed by Spanish authorities as Diogo Jota and André Silva.
Diogo Jota, 28, was a forward for Liverpool Football Club and a senior player for the Portugal national team with 49 caps. André Silva, 26, played for Portuguese second division side FC Penafiel. The accident happened less than two weeks after Jota’s wedding to long term partner Rute Cardoso on 22 June 2025. The couple have three children.
In a statement released at 10:26 BST, Liverpool Football Club said:
“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.”
FC Porto, where both Jota and Silva spent part of their early careers, also released a statement:
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.”
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said on social media:
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. It’s a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Lisa Nandy, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, spoke in the House of Commons at 10:48 BST:> “I was told just now before we came in here he [Diogo Jota] has died at 28.”
“My condolences to his family, friends and fans everywhere.”
Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Pedro Proença also released a statement:
“Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are in shock with the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain.
More than a great player, with almost 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an amazing person, someone with an incredible joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva and to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where they played their football.”
The FPF has asked UEFA to observe a minute of silence before the upcoming UEFA Women’s European Championship match between Portugal and Spain on Thursday.
Jota joined Liverpool FC in 2020 for £41 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances during his time at the club. He was key to Liverpool’s 2024-2025 Premier League title, scoring 6 goals that season. His honours at the club include Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and 2 Carabao Cups.
Portuguese Football Federation, FC Porto, FC Penafiel and Liverpool FC are working on tributes and arrangements. Updates will be given through official channels as more information becomes available.
No statements have been released by UEFA, FIFA or RFEF as of now.
Liverpool Striker Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Die in High-Speed Crash Weeks After His Wedding.