The football world is in shock following the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in Spain early Thursday morning.
The 28-year-old Jota, a vital part of Liverpool’s recent Premier League-winning squad and a Nations League champion with Portugal, was travelling with Andre, also a professional footballer, when their car left the road and burst into flames.
Spanish authorities confirmed that the accident occurred around 00:30 local time on the A-52 motorway in Zamora. The vehicle, a Lamborghini, suffered a tyre blow-out while overtaking and veered off the road, according to the Guardia Civil.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Andre Silva, 26, played for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel. The brothers shared not only a deep family bond but also a professional commitment to the game.
Just two weeks ago, Jota married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso in a private ceremony. The couple shared three children together, and wedding photos posted on social media now serve as haunting memories of a life that was flourishing.
Liverpool FC and the Portuguese football community are reeling from the news. “Much more than an amazing player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents,” said Pedro Proença, head of the Portuguese Football Federation.
The federation has requested a minute of silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euro qualifier against Spain to honour the brothers. UEFA is expected to grant the request as tributes pour in from across Europe.
Jota earned nearly 50 international caps, building a reputation for his relentless work rate, sharp finishing, and infectious joy on and off the pitch. His passing leaves a void not just in Liverpool’s dressing room but across an entire footballing generation.
