Diogo Jota had previously played for Wolves in the Premier League, moving to Liverpool in 2020; he made over 180 appearances for the club, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup; Jota was also a Portugal international
The football world is reeling from the devastating news of the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain along with his younger brother, André Silva.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of July 3, near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria, in the Spanish province of Zamora. The brothers were reportedly travelling in a Lamborghini when their vehicle veered off the A-52 motorway and caught fire after a collision. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but both occupants were declared dead. Witnesses described the car being engulfed in flames, making any chance of rescue impossible.
Jota, aged 28, was widely known not only for his clinical instincts in front of goal but also for his humble nature off the pitch. Born on December 4, 1996, in Massarelos, Portugal, Diogo José Teixeira da Silva—known professionally as Diogo Jota—began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira. He later moved to Atlético Madrid before making a name for himself at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he became one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents.
In September 2020, Jota signed for Liverpool in a reported £41 million deal. He quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield due to his relentless pressing, intelligent movement, and ability to score in crucial moments. In his four seasons with the Reds, Jota made 123 appearances and scored 47 goals, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s domestic and European campaigns.
At the international level, Jota was a key member of the Portuguese national team. He earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for his country. He was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again contributed during the 2025 campaign.
The accident has also claimed the life of André Silva, Jota’s younger brother, who played as a midfielder for Penafiel, a club in Portugal’s second division. Though less prominent than his older brother, André was building a respectable career of his own and had been tipped for a move to Portugal’s top flight.
The news of their passing has sparked an outpouring of grief across the football community. Clubs, players, fans, and officials have shared messages of condolence, expressing their sorrow over the loss of two young lives. Liverpool FC released a brief but emotional statement confirming the news and offering support to the family.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo 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,” the statement read. “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”
The Portuguese Football Federation also expressed their grief, calling Jota a “reference for a generation of players” and praising his joyful personality and professionalism. They added that both he and his brother were “deeply loved” within the footballing family.
A Federação Portuguesa de Futebol e todo o Futebol português estão completamente devastados com a morte de Diogo Jota e do seu irmão André Silva, esta madrugada, em Espanha.
Muito mais do que o fantástico jogador, com quase 50 internacionalizações pela Seleção Nacional A, Diogo… pic.twitter.com/EN901fH6FG
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 3, 2025
The accident has left the nation of Portugal in mourning. A moment of silence is expected to be observed at all major football fixtures in the coming days, and tributes are already planned across multiple stadiums, including Liverpool’s Anfield, where fans have begun placing scarves, flowers, and messages of support at the Shankly Gates.
Jota’s death comes less than a week after he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 28. The couple shared a young son and had been planning a future together. His final Instagram post, a photo from his wedding with the caption “Forever,” has since become a space where thousands of fans are leaving messages of love and heartbreak.Diogo Jota had married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, in the last fortnight. Here they are pictured on their wedding day
Former teammates, coaches, and footballers around the world have taken to social media to express their sorrow. Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Dias, Virgil van Dijk, and Jordan Henderson were among the first to share their memories of Jota, describing him as a “top professional” and a “kind-hearted, driven soul.”
Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that the car may have experienced a tyre blowout before veering off the highway. A full autopsy and forensic analysis are expected to clarify the sequence of events in the coming days.
Jota’s passing marks the loss of not only one of Portugal’s most talented footballers but also a man remembered for his humility, work ethic, and devotion to family. At just 28, he had already made a significant mark on the world stage, and many believed his best years were still ahead.
As the football community tries to come to terms with the tragedy, supporters from around the world continue to honour the legacy of Diogo Jota and his brother. Their memory will live on through the goals, the victories, and the joy they brought to the beautiful game.
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