The football world is in mourning following the heartbreaking news that liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota has tragically died. The gifted forward passed away at the age of just 28. He was involved in a devastating car accident in spain during the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025. The incident also claimed the life of his younger brother, Andre Silva, 26.
Confirmation of the unimaginable loss has shaken clubs, teammates, fans, and officials globally. Tributes immediately began pouring in for the popular player and his brother. Details emerging from Spain indicate a sudden and catastrophic incident on a remote highway.
Devastating Accident Details Emerge
The fatal crash occurred around 12:30 AM local time (00:30 or 00:35 according to different sources). It happened on the A-52 motorway near the municipality of Cernadilla in Zamora, northwestern Spain. Emergency services quickly responded to reports of a vehicle off the road and on fire.
According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, initial investigations suggest a tire blew out. This happened while the vehicle, reportedly a Lamborghini Urus SUV, was attempting to overtake another car. The blown tire caused the high-powered car to lose control.
Vehicle Crashes and Catches Fire
Investigators noted skid marks suggesting the tire failure immediately preceded the loss of control. The car veered sharply off the highway. It crashed into barriers and rolled over before igniting. Local fire brigades were dispatched not only to manage the vehicle fire but also flames that had spread to nearby vegetation.
Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. Authorities later confirmed their identities as Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Felipe. A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Zamora confirmed no other vehicles were involved in the direct collision. No one else was injured in the incident.
A judicial investigation has been launched by a duty court in Zamora. A full police report detailing the precise sequence of events and cause is anticipated to take four to five days, possibly longer, before being formally submitted. Forensic teams are also involved in examining the victims’ bodies as part of the official process.
Diogo Jota’s Impactful Career and Personal Life
Diogo Jota was a pivotal figure for both club and country. Born in Porto, Portugal, he began his professional journey there. After spells in Spain with Atletico Madrid, he moved to England. He joined Liverpool FC from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 for a reported fee of £41 million.
During his five seasons at Anfield, Jota became a fan favourite known for his clinical finishing and versatile attacking play. He made a total of 182 appearances for Liverpool. He scored 65 goals across all competitions for the club. This included six goals in the recently concluded season, where he played a key role in Liverpool securing the Premier League title. His contributions helped the Reds lift three major trophies, also winning the FA Cup and League Cup.
International Success with Portugal
On the international stage, Diogo Jota represented Portugal with distinction. He earned 49 caps for his country. He scored 14 goals while wearing the national team jersey. Jota was a vital part of the squad that achieved UEFA Nations League success. He notably won the tournament twice, including the recent final where Portugal defeated Spain on penalties just last month.
Beyond the football pitch, Jota was deeply devoted to his family. His tragic death comes just under two weeks after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple had been together since their teenage years, marrying in Porto on June 22. They had three young children together: two sons, Denis and Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024. Jota’s final social media post featured touching footage from his wedding day, calling himself “the lucky one.”
His younger brother, Andre Silva, was also a professional footballer. Andre, aged 26, played for Penafiel in the second tier of Portuguese football. He had also been part of the youth setup at FC Porto. Their shared passion for the sport makes this double tragedy particularly poignant for the football community.
Waves of Tributes From Across the Globe
The news of Diogo and Andre’s deaths prompted an immediate and widespread outpouring of grief. Football clubs, national federations, teammates, former players, and even politicians shared their condolences. The dominant theme in the tributes highlighted Jota’s character off the field as much as his talent on it.
Liverpool FC released a statement expressing the club’s devastation. They confirmed being informed of the tragic passing of Diogo and Andre following the accident in Spain. The club pledged full support to the family, friends, teammates, and staff. They respectfully requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time. The Liverpool flag was flown at half-mast at Anfield stadium. Fans gathered outside the ground to lay flowers and leave heartfelt tributes.
Footballing Icons Share Their Sorrow
The Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) also released a statement of complete devastation. PFF President Pedro Proenca described Diogo Jota as “much more than an amazing player.” He called him an “extraordinary person” with “infectious joy.” The federation requested a minute of silence before Portugal’s upcoming Women’s European Championship match against Spain. They stated that Diogo and Andre’s passing represents “irreparable losses for Portuguese Football.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s captain for the Portugal national team, shared a deeply personal tribute. He expressed that the news “doesn’t make sense.” Ronaldo reflected on their recent time together with the national team and Jota’s recent wedding. He sent his condolences and strength to Jota’s family, wife, and children.
Tributes also came from figures outside football. NBA star LeBron James, a minority owner in Fenway Sports Group which owns Liverpool, sent prayers on social media. Rival clubs such as Everton, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton & Hove Albion expressed their sadness and offered condolences. Former clubs like Wolves and FC Porto, where Diogo played on loan and Andre was in the youth system, released moving statements acknowledging the profound loss.
Remembering His Character
Many current and former players who knew Diogo shared their personal grief. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described Jota as quiet, humble, and a devoted family man. Fellow players like Darwin Nunez, Diogo Dalot, Steven Gerrard, Mason Mount, Jack Grealish, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Declan Rice expressed heartbreak and sent strength to the grieving family. The consistent portrayal is of a respected individual, a good companion, and a person known for his dedication and positive attitude.
The UK’s Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, also publicly acknowledged the tragedy. She sent sympathies on behalf of Parliament, highlighting the shock felt by football fans and many others across the country. The collective response underscores the deep impact Diogo Jota had, remembered not only for his footballing prowess but for his kind character and the promising future cut tragically short.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Liverpool star Diogo Jota?
Diogo Jota, the 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal forward, died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM local time on the A-52 motorway. According to authorities, the car, a Lamborghini, crashed after a tire reportedly blew out during an overtaking maneuver. The vehicle subsequently caught fire.
Who died with Diogo Jota in the car crash?
Diogo Jota’s younger brother, Andre Silva, also died in the same accident. Andre was 26 years old and was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division. Both brothers were in the vehicle when it crashed and ignited on the highway in Spain.
What was Diogo Jota’s recent personal life like before his death?
Diogo Jota was recently married. He had married his long-term partner and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, just under two weeks before the fatal accident on June 22. His family included two sons, Denis and Duarte, and a daughter. Tributes from friends and teammates often highlighted his dedication as a family man.
A Profound and Irreparable Loss
The untimely deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva represent a profound loss for their family, friends, and the entire football community. Diogo was at the peak of his career, recently celebrating a Premier League title with Liverpool and a Nations League win with Portugal. His talent, dedication, and character left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. The outpouring of tributes from all corners of the sport and beyond is a testament to the respect and affection held for both brothers. Their memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew them and the fans who admired their skill and spirit.
