The football world is reeling from devastating news: Liverpool forward diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, have tragically died in a car accident in Spain. Authorities confirmed Thursday the brothers were found dead after their vehicle veered off a highway and caught fire near the northwestern city of Zamora. The incident has sent shockwaves through clubs, fans, and players globally, mourning the loss of two lives linked deeply to the sport.
Tragic Details of the Accident
According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the fatal single-vehicle crash occurred shortly after midnight local time on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, within the province of Zamora. The vehicle, a Lamborghini, was carrying only the two brothers at the time. It left the roadway, impacting guardrails before bursting into flames. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene as the fire from the burning car spread to nearby vegetation.
Police stated that no other vehicles were involved in the accident. Investigators are actively working to determine the precise cause of the crash. One working hypothesis being examined is that a blown tire may have led the driver to lose control while attempting an overtaking maneuver. Forensic analysis is currently being conducted on the bodies. The identity of who was driving the car at the time of the accident was not immediately clear. Video images published by Spanish media show braking tire marks veering sharply off the road. The burnt-out car was found several meters away. Vegetation surrounding the wreck was destroyed by the intense fire. Footage captured by a passing trucker also showed the luxury car engulfed in flames.
A Journey Cut Short
Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, were travelling eastward along an isolated stretch of highway close to the Portuguese border. Reports from Portuguese media suggested that Diogo Jota might have been en route to the port city of Santander. From there, he was reportedly planning to take a ferry back to the United Kingdom. This travel plan by sea was reportedly advised due to a recent minor lung procedure that made flying unsuitable for him. These specific travel details, however, could not be immediately confirmed by all sources.
Personal Loss and Recent Joy
The tragedy comes just weeks after Diogo Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in his hometown of Porto, Portugal, at the end of June. Jota and Cardoso had been together since high school, starting their relationship in 2013. The couple shared three young children: sons Denis and Duarte, and a daughter born just last year. Rute had recently shared photos from their wedding on social media, describing the event as her “dream came true.” His death leaves behind a young family facing unimaginable grief.
André Silva was also a professional footballer. He played as a forward for the Portuguese club Futebol Clube Penafiel. Penafiel competes in the Liga Portugal 2, the second tier of Portuguese football. Andre had come through the youth ranks at Porto and played for several other clubs before joining Penafiel in 2023.
Diogo Jota’s Impact on the Pitch
Diogo Jota was a highly regarded Portuguese international forward. He joined Liverpool Football Club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 for a reported fee of £41 million. He quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield, affectionately nicknamed “Jota the slotter” for his clinical finishing ability. During his time with the Merseyside club, Jota made 182 appearances across all competitions, scoring 65 goals.
Jota played a significant role in Liverpool’s recent success. He was part of the squad that won the FA Cup and the League Cup in the 2021-22 season. He also contributed to their run to the Champions League final that same year. Most recently, Diogo Jota was a key member of the Liverpool side that clinched the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season, marking his first league championship with the club. His final goal for Liverpool was the winning strike in the Merseyside derby against rivals Everton in April. This victory was crucial in their title push.
Before his time at Anfield, Jota had a successful spell at Wolves. He helped them win the Championship title in 2018 and qualify for the Europa League. He began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira in Portugal and had a brief spell at Atletico Madrid, including a loan at Porto. For the Portuguese national team, Diogo Jota earned 49 caps, scoring 14 goals. He was a two-time winner of the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, lifting the trophy in 2019 and again in 2025. His final appearance for his country came as a substitute in the 2025 Nations League final against Spain on June 8th. He was on summer break following this triumph when the accident occurred. Liverpool players are expected back for pre-season training soon, although Jota’s participation in the Nations League final likely entitled him to additional time off.
A Flood of Tributes and Mourning
The news of the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva prompted an outpouring of grief from across the football community and beyond. Liverpool Football Club released a statement expressing their devastation. They stated the club felt “utterly bereft” and was consumed by shock and sorrow. The club requested privacy for the family, friends, teammates, and staff as they navigate this “unimaginable loss.” Liverpool pledged to continue providing them with full support. As a mark of respect at Anfield, flags were lowered to half-mast, and club retail spaces and tours were temporarily closed. A book of condolence has been opened for fans to share their sympathies. Joint statements from Sporting Director Richard Hughes and CEO Michael Edwards highlighted the depth of the tragedy and prioritized support for Jota’s wife Rute and their three children, parents, and wider family. They acknowledged the equal pain felt by the loss of both brothers.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke of the “sense of shock” felt by everyone connected to the club. He described Jota as a “loved one to all of us.” Slot said Jota embodied “the essence of what a Liverpool player should be.” Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who brought Jota to Anfield, posted on social media that he was “heartbroken” and struggling to comprehend the tragedy. He remembered Jota not just as a fantastic player but as “a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father.” Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish expressed that “Football is not important at this sad time” and conveyed the helplessness felt for Jota’s young family. Several Liverpool players, including Darwin Núñez, Dominic Szoboszlai, and Harvey Elliott, shared heartfelt tributes online. Elliott praised Jota as being “humble, hardworking, kind, and always there for anyone.”
André Silva’s club, Penafiel, also issued a statement expressing their deepest sympathy and profound pain. They recognized the close ties of both brothers to football and offered condolences to family and friends. The club announced official mourning and plans for tributes at their upcoming fixtures.
The Portuguese football community shared its devastation. Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, stated that “the whole of Portuguese football are completely devastated.” He described Diogo Jota as “much more than a fantastic player,” with almost 50 national team caps. Proença called him an “extraordinary person,” respected by all, known for his “contagious joy,” and a “reference in his community.” He offered condolences to the families and both clubs, declaring the loss of “two champions” as irreparable. Proença vowed to honor their legacy. Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, offered his deepest condolences. He called Diogo Jota “an athlete who greatly honored Portugal’s name.” He described it as a “sad day for soccer and for national and international sports.” The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, lauded Jota for representing Portuguese football at the highest level and demonstrating professionalism. He called his loss one that “dismayed all Portuguese.”
Global Sadness and Planned Tributes
Tributes poured in from across the world of sport. Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his disbelief and grief. He mentioned their recent time together with the national team and Jota’s recent marriage. Ronaldo sent condolences and wished strength to Jota’s family, wife, and children. Other clubs, federations, and leagues also sent messages of condolence. Former clubs like Porto and Wolves shared their sadness. Even figures outside football, such as NBA star LeBron James (a minority owner at Liverpool) and tennis legend Rafael Nadal, shared their sympathies. The Premier League stated it was “shocked and devastated,” calling Jota a “champion who will be forever missed.” UEFA also expressed its condolences. They announced that moments of silence would be observed at upcoming international fixtures. This includes all Women’s European Championship matches on Thursday and Friday, and the upcoming Club World Cup quarter-finals. At the Wimbledon tennis tournament, players were permitted to wear black ribbons as a mark of respect upon request.
Plans are being made for the funeral services for Diogo Jota and André Silva. The funeral is expected to be held on Saturday morning in the Gondomar area of Porto, where the brothers grew up. Their passing leaves a void in the lives of their families, friends, and the wider football community that is grappling with this sudden and profound loss. The legacy of Diogo Jota as a talented player and a respected person, alongside his brother André, will undoubtedly be honored in the days and weeks to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother?
Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, tragically died in a car accident in Spain. Their Lamborghini vehicle veered off the A-52 motorway near Zamora shortly after midnight and subsequently burst into flames. Both brothers, aged 28 and 25 respectively, were the only occupants and were found dead at the scene.
Who was Diogo Jota’s brother, Andre Silva?
André Silva was Diogo Jota’s younger brother, aged 25. Like Diogo, he was also a professional footballer. Andre played as a forward for the Portuguese club Futebol Clube Penafiel, which competes in the country’s second division, Liga Portugal 2. He had previously played for other Portuguese clubs after coming through the Porto youth system.
How has the football world reacted to Diogo Jota’s death?
The football world has reacted with profound shock and sadness. Liverpool FC, his current club, expressed devastation and opened a book of condolence. Managers like Arne Slot and Jürgen Klopp shared emotional tributes. Diogo’s former clubs, the Portuguese Football Federation, and prominent figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Rafael Nadal have sent condolences. Leagues like the Premier League and UEFA announced moments of silence at upcoming matches to honor the brothers.
The sudden deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva represent a deep and irreplaceable loss for their families, friends, and the entire football community. Tributes continue to pour in, reflecting the impact both brothers had on those around them and on the sport itself. As the investigation into the accident continues, the focus remains on supporting their grieving loved ones and honoring the memories of “two champions” taken too soon.
