Football has been plunged into mourning following the heartbreaking news that Liverpool and Portugal international Diogo Jota, aged 28, has tragically died in a car accident in Spain. His younger brother, André Silva, aged 26 and also a professional footballer, was killed in the same incident.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 3, on the A-52 motorway near the municipality of Cernadilla, in the Zamora province of north-western Spain. According to a report by Spain’s Civil Guard, the brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini when a tyre blowout caused the vehicle to veer off the road while overtaking another car. The vehicle reportedly caught fire shortly after impact.
Sponsored
Despite the swift arrival of emergency services and firefighters, who extinguished the blaze, both Diogo and André were pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses described seeing flames engulfing the vehicle and spreading to nearby vegetation, prompting frantic calls to Spain’s emergency number.
This devastating news comes just eleven days after Diogo Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in a private ceremony surrounded by loved ones. The couple had three children.
A Distinguished Career Cut Short
Diogo Jota joined Liverpool FC from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 in a £41 million transfer deal. Known for his fierce determination, clinical finishing, and relentless work ethic, Jota quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield. In his 182 appearances for the Reds, he scored 65 goals, playing a key role in the club’s recent success.
Last season, he helped Arne Slot’s side lift the Premier League title, contributing six goals. During his time with Liverpool, he also added to his trophy cabinet with an FA Cup, Community Shield, and two Carabao Cups.
Jota was also a prominent figure in the Portuguese national team, earning 49 caps and representing his country at major tournaments, including the UEFA Nations League, where he featured in last month’s final victory over Spain.
André Silva’s Promising Journey
Jota’s younger brother, André Silva, 26, was also pursuing a professional football career. He played for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division and had previously been part of FC Porto’s youth academy—where he and his older brother first developed their talents.
Though less known on the global stage than Diogo, André was deeply respected by teammates and coaches, praised for his discipline, humility, and love for the game.
Global Tributes Pour In
The football world has been united in grief, as tributes flood in from former players, pundits, clubs, and fans across the globe.
Liverpool FC released an official statement expressing profound sorrow:
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, André. Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also issued a heartfelt message:
“Much more than a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents. On behalf of the FPF, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
The FPF has requested that a minute of silence be observed before Portugal’s Women’s Euro match against Spain in memory of the fallen brothers.
Messages from Football Legends
- Stan Collymore, former Liverpool striker:
“There’s a profound sense of shock, sadness, and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota’s death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too. Sending deepest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone at Liverpool Football Club. Devastating.” - Jamie Carragher, Liverpool legend:
“Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids.” - Gary Neville, former Manchester United and England defender:
“That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.” - Fabrizio Romano, football journalist:
“Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.” - Piers Morgan, British broadcaster:
“Desperately sad news coming out of Spain that Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, has died, along with his brother, in a car accident. He only got married 2 weeks ago. Heart-breaking.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Diogo Jota was more than just a footballer—he was a devoted family man, a committed teammate, and an inspiring figure for aspiring athletes around the world. His sudden death, along with that of his brother André, leaves an immense void in both the footballing and human world.
As Liverpool, Portugal, and fans across the globe begin to process this unimaginable loss, Diogo Jota and André Silva will be remembered not just for their talents on the pitch, but for the joy, resilience, and passion they brought to the beautiful game.
Rest in peace, Diogo and André.
You may be gone, but your light will continue to shine in every stadium, in every chant, and in every heart touched by your story.