In a devastating development that has rocked the football world, Portuguese international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota has died following a car crash in Spain. The 28-year-old footballer was travelling with his brother, Andre Silva, who also lost his life in the tragic accident. Silva, 26, was a professional footballer playing for Portuguese side Penafiel in the Liga Portugal 2.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning in the province of Zamora, located in northwest Spain. According to Spanish law enforcement agency Guardia Civil, the crash happened at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time. Reports indicate that the brothers’ Lamborghini veered off the road while overtaking another vehicle, following a suspected tyre blowout, and subsequently caught fire.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) issued a deeply emotional statement expressing its profound grief:
“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire football community are overwhelmed with sorrow. Diogo Jota, more than a remarkable talent with nearly 50 caps for the national team, was an exceptional human being. His energy, humility, and impact extended far beyond the pitch.”
Jota had recently celebrated a significant milestone in his personal life, marrying his longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple shared three children together. The footballer had taken to social media to share moments from the ceremony, now immortalised in heartbreaking contrast to his untimely death.
Jota was an integral part of Liverpool’s title-winning squad in the previous Premier League season and was also instrumental in Portugal’s Nations League triumph over Spain in June.
Andre Silva, who began his youth career with FC Porto during the 2016–17 season when Jota was on loan there, followed in his brother’s footsteps in professional football. The tragic loss of both brothers is being mourned deeply across Portugal.
Liverpool FC also extended its condolences, stating:
“We are stunned and heartbroken by the loss of Diogo and Andre. Our deepest sympathies go out to their family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in peace, champions.”
As a mark of respect, the FPF has asked UEFA to hold a minute’s silence ahead of Portugal’s Women’s Euro fixture against Spain on Thursday evening.
The entire football community continues to reel from this shocking loss, with tributes flooding in from teammates, opponents, clubs, and fans across the globe—all honouring two young lives tragically cut short.
