Diogo Jota dies in car accident days after wedding

Portuguese football star Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva have tragically died in a car accident in Spain, authorities confirmed. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the Spanish province of Zamora.

According to the Guardia Civil, the incident took place around 00:30 local time when the Lamborghini they were traveling in suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The car veered off the road and caught fire, claiming the lives of both men.

Jota, aged 27, was a forward for English Premier League club Liverpool and the Portuguese national team. His brother, 25-year-old Andre Silva, was also a professional footballer who played for Portuguese second-division side Penafiel.

The tragedy comes just 11 days after Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. The couple had celebrated their wedding on June 22, with Jota recently posting photos from the ceremony on social media.

Liverpool Football Club released a statement expressing profound grief:
“We are devastated by the loss of Diogo, a player who made an immense impact at our club. He will forever be remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch but for the person he was.”

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 in a £41 million deal. Over four seasons, he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals, helping the club to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Prior to that, he spent three years at Wolves, scoring 44 goals in 131 games after arriving from Atlético Madrid.

Wolves also paid tribute:
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates, and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten.”

On the international stage, Jota made his debut for Portugal in 2019 and went on to score 14 goals in 49 appearances. His final match for the national team was against Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on June 8.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) issued an emotional statement, mourning the loss:
“More than a great footballer, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary human being, admired by team-mates, opponents, and the wider community. His death, alongside his brother Andre, is an irreparable loss for Portuguese football.”

UEFA confirmed that a minute’s silence will be observed before Portugal’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Spain as a tribute.

Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2016. He later had a loan spell at FC Porto, where his brother Andre also played at youth level.

Porto expressed their sorrow in a statement:
“FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. Rest in peace.”

Andre Silva went on to play for Gondomar before signing for Penafiel in 2023, where he made 59 league appearances over two seasons.

Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, described the deaths as a “tragic and unexpected” loss.
“Diogo Jota brought honour to our country through his talent and dedication. I offer my deepest condolences to their family. It is a dark day for Portuguese and international sport.”

FC Porto president and former Chelsea and Tottenham manager André Villas-Boas also paid tribute:
“This is a moment of profound sadness. We have lost two young men who represented FC Porto and Portuguese football with pride and integrity. Their legacy will live on.”