Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Footballers
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 following a fatal car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora. The accident also claimed the life of his younger brother, Andre Silva, a 25-year-old professional footballer with Portuguese second-division club Penafiel.
According to the Guardia Civil, the crash occurred around 00:30 local time on Thursday. The brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini that suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The car veered off the road and caught fire near the town of Cernadilla.
Family and Career Cut Short
The news comes just days after Jota celebrated his marriage to long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. The couple wed on 22 June, and Jota had recently shared photos of the ceremony on social media.
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 for £41 million, scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds. He helped the club win the Premier League title, FA Cup, and League Cup, and had become a vital figure in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
The club issued a heartfelt statement, saying:
“We are devastated. Diogo was not only a phenomenal footballer but a beloved team-mate and cherished member of the Liverpool family.”
A Journey Through European Football
Jota began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2016. He was loaned to Porto for the 2016-17 season, where his brother Andre was part of the youth setup. Jota later joined Wolves, where he scored 44 goals in 131 appearances across three seasons.
Andre Silva continued his football journey in Portugal’s lower divisions and had made 59 league appearances for Penafiel over the past two seasons.
Tributes from Across the Football World
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) expressed their grief, stating:
“Much more than an amazing player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by team-mates and opponents alike. We have lost two champions. Their passing is an irreparable loss for Portuguese football.”
Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals for the national team since his debut in 2019. His final international appearance came in Portugal’s Nations League final win over Spain on 8 June.
UEFA has confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held before Portugal’s Euro 2025 match against Spain on Thursday in honour of the brothers.
An Outpouring of Grief
Clubs and public figures across football have paid tribute. Wolves, where Jota spent a key part of his career, stated:
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by fans, loved by his team-mates, and cherished by all who knew him.”
Porto, where both brothers spent time, said:
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences. FC Porto is in mourning.”
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called the incident “tragic and unexpected”, offering condolences to their family, and former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, now president of Porto, added:
“This is a moment of profound dismay. Football has lost two great men—known not just for their talent but for their humility and character.”
A Lasting Legacy
Jota leaves behind a legacy defined by his relentless energy, goal-scoring ability, and connection with fans at every club he represented. From the streets of Massarelos to the heights of Anfield, his impact on Portuguese and European football is undeniable.
His brother Andre’s career was still blossoming, and his death is equally mourned by those who knew his potential.
As the football world grieves, their memory will be honoured in stadiums and hearts across the globe.
