Thursday July 03, 2025
By Idorenyin UMOREN
With Agency reports
Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, has died in a tragic car accident in Spain at the age of 28. His younger brother, Andre Silva, 25, also lost his life in the crash.
The fatal accident occurred around 12:30am on Thursday, July 3, in the Spanish province of Zamora.
According to the Guardia Civil, the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini when a tyre blowout occurred while overtaking another vehicle. The car veered off the road and burst into flames.
Jota, who had just married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso 11 days earlier, leaves behind three children. The couple had shared joyful moments from their wedding on social media on June 22.
Liverpool Football Club expressed its deep sorrow at the loss. “We are devastated by the tragic death of Diogo Jota. He was not only a superb player but a treasured member of our family,” the club said. Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves for £41 million, scoring 65 goals in 182 matches and helping the team win the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
His former club, Wolves, also mourned the striker: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by fans, loved by team-mates and cherished by everyone at the club. His memories will live on forever.”
Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, was also a professional footballer who played for Portuguese second-division club Penafiel.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) described the tragedy as “an irreparable loss,” calling Jota “an extraordinary person” whose presence went beyond football.
Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals, and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League final against Spain on 8 June — his final international appearance.
UEFA has announced a minute’s silence will be observed before Portugal’s Euro 2025 match against Spain on Thursday to honour the two brothers.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with fans, players, and officials remembering Jota not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his humility, charisma, and love for the game.
