Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota dies at 28 in car crash

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Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota dies at 28 in car crash

6:51 CAT | 04 Jul 2025

Image: UEFA

Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, has died in a car crash in Spain, the English club and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said on Thursday.

“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in Spain,” the federation wrote on X.

The police told dpa that initial investigations indicate that the car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.

“But an investigation is underway, the results of which must be awaited and will only be available in a few days’ time,” the police said, adding that the victims were identified through their personal documents.

The Guardia Civil told the BBC that the accident happened at around 00:30 on Tuesday (2230 GMT Wednesday) in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. According to the statement, “the car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”

The reason why the two were travelling on the province’s roads is unclear. The region is close to the border with Portugal.

Liverpool said that they are “devastated” by the “tragic passing” of their forward 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 said in a statement.

The club added that it won’t make further comments at this time and asked privacy of Jota’s family, friends, team-mates and club staff to be respected as “they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”

Jota had been playing for the Reds since 2020 after a move from Wolves and won the Premier League last season. He made 182 games for the club and scored 65 goals.

Just last month, Jota celebrated the Nations League title with Portugal. For the national team, he played 49 matches, including Euro 2024, and scored 14 goals.

European football ruling body UEFA said it will observe a moment of silence at all of women’s Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday in memory of Jota and his brother.

“On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva,” UEFA said on X.

On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.

Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… pic.twitter.com/kYCJiZMcX0

— UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025

Jota’s brother, André Silva, was also a footballer, who played for Portuguese second division side Penafiel.

“The loss of Diogo and André represent irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything, daily, to honour their legacy,” FPF said.

The fatal car crash that killed Jota and his brother took place less than two weeks after his wedding day. He had three children with his wife Rute Cardoso.

His last post on social media was on Instagram, when he shared a video of his wedding ceremony.

Football world pays tribute to Jota

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes to Jota with a heartfelt message.

“It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, you had just got married,” Ronaldo wrote on X.

He sent his condolences to Jota’s family, wife and children, and added: “I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo e André. We will miss you.”

Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez, who has played alongside Jota for the past three seasons, posted on Instagram: “There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.”

The German Football Federation (DFB) said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of Jota’s death.

“We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, Liverpool FC, and the Portuguese Football Federation,” the DFB wrote on X.

The English Football Association (FA) and the Premier League said they were “devastated” and that “football has lost a champion who will be forever missed.”

Portuguese football giants Porto, where both brothers have previously played, said on X: “It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.”

According to the BBC, hundreds of fans have gathered outside Anfield stadium, laying floral tributes and paying respects to Jota at Hillsborough memorial.

“It was a huge shock. First because I can’t remember something similar happening at Liverpool. He got married some two weeks ago, has three very young kids, and not to mention the moment in his career, simply at his peak,” Liverpool fan Jessica Gadotti told dpa.

“It’s very unfair that something like this happened. He was a very dear player to the fans because he arrived at the club’s rebuilding phase after the (Premier League) title during the (Covid-19) pandemic,” she added.

Politicians react to tragedy

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said that the deaths of Jota and his brother are “unexpected and tragic.”

“It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports,” he added.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his condolences to Jota’s friends and family after being asked about the Liverpool footballer at a media briefing.

“Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news. I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular,” he said.