Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, were tragically killed in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire near the city of Zamora in northwestern Spain.
According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the bodies of 28-year-old Jota and 25-year-old Silva were discovered inside the burnt wreckage. Authorities confirmed the two were traveling alone, with no other vehicles involved. Investigators suspect the crash may have been caused by a tire blowout as they attempted to overtake another vehicle.
The devastating news comes just weeks after Jota married longtime partner Rute Cardoso. The couple, who have three children, had been celebrating their union during the football offseason. Their youngest child was born last year.
The accident took place just past midnight along a remote stretch of highway near the Portuguese border. Charred vegetation and torn guardrails marked the site, where eyewitnesses reported hearing an explosion before flames engulfed the vehicle. Forensic teams are analyzing the remains to determine further details, including who was driving at the time.
Reports suggest the brothers were heading toward the port city of Santander to catch a ferry to England. Jota had recently undergone a minor lung procedure and was advised against air travel, although this information has not been officially confirmed.
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday in Porto, Jota’s hometown.
Jota, who began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira, rose to prominence in European football and made a name for himself internationally with nearly 50 appearances for Portugal. He joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers and helped the club win multiple trophies, including the Premier League title. In total, he scored 65 goals in 182 games for the Reds, with his final goal sealing victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby.
His brother, André Silva, was also a professional footballer and played for Portuguese lower-league side Penafiel.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world and beyond. Liverpool Football Club issued a statement saying it was “devastated” by the loss and is supporting the family during this unimaginable time. Fans gathered outside Anfield to lay flowers and scarves in Jota’s memory.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his grief, describing Jota not just as a player, but as a beloved person and father. “My thoughts are with their family. It’s a loss beyond football,” he said.
Portugal’s Prime Minister called Jota “an athlete who brought great pride to the nation,” while the country’s football federation mourned the deaths as “an irreparable loss.”
Teammates and global sports stars have shared messages of condolence, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently played alongside Jota during the Nations League final. “Just now we were together, just now you had gotten married. This doesn’t make any sense,” Ronaldo said.
The Premier League and UEFA have both announced plans to honor Jota, with moments of silence being observed at upcoming matches. Other tributes are expected in stadiums across Europe.
As the football world grapples with the sudden loss of one of its brightest talents, many remember Jota for more than his skills on the pitch — as a joyful spirit, a dedicated family man, and a role model both at home and abroad.