Zamora, Spain – July 3, 2025
Portuguese international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota has died in a tragic car accident in northern Spain, alongside his younger brother André Silva, Spanish authorities confirmed on Thursday morning.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, in Zamora Province, when the Lamborghini they were traveling in veered off the road and caught fire. Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.Details of the Incident
According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the high-performance vehicle experienced a suspected tire blowout while overtaking, causing the driver to lose control. The car left the road at high speed and burst into flames, leaving no chance for rescue.Authorities responded quickly, but both Diogo Jota, aged 28, and André Silva, aged 26, were already deceased when emergency crews arrived.
Football Career and Achievements
Jota was widely regarded as one of Portugal’s finest attacking talents. He began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira, before earning a move to Atlético Madrid and enjoying loan spells at FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. His impressive performances in England saw Liverpool FC sign him in 2020 for approximately £45 million.
During his five-year spell at Anfield, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, winning the Premier League in the 2024/25 season, along with two League Cups and an FA Cup. On the international stage, Jota represented Portugal 49 times, scoring 13 goals. He was part of Portugal’s squads in two UEFA European Championships, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and helped win the UEFA Nations League in both 2019 and 2025.
A Recent Milestone Turned Tragic
The tragedy comes less than two weeks after Jota’s wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso, held on June 22, 2025, in Portugal. The couple had three children, the youngest born in late 2024.His brother André Silva, though less internationally known, was also a professional footballer active in Portugal’s domestic leagues.
Global Tributes and Mourning
News of Jota’s death sent shockwaves throughout the football world. Liverpool FC released a statement expressing their “devastation,” adding:
“Diogo was not only an exceptional footballer but a beloved teammate, father, and husband. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Tributes poured in from across the footballing spectrum, with messages from Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard, and Darwin Núñez, among others. The Portuguese Football Federation and the Premier League also released statements of condolence.A minute’s silence was observed at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 matches on Thursday evening in Jota’s memory. Fans gathered outside Anfield in the rain, lighting candles and leaving scarves, shirts, and flowers in tribute.
A Legacy That Lives On
Diogo Jota leaves behind a legacy of professional excellence, humility, and dedication. His impact at both club and international level will be remembered as one of the defining careers of his generation.Funeral arrangements and memorial details are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
Reported by: Dreams Tz Newsroom
Sources: Reuters, [Liverpool FC Official], [Cadena SER], [CNN], [Los40], [Daily Mail]
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