Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28.
The football world has been plunged into mourning following the devastating death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, aged just 28, along with his younger brother Andre Silva. The two were killed in a horrific car accident in Spain, sending shockwaves across the global football community.
According to reports from Spanish media, the accident occurred on the A-52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora province, northwest Spain. The vehicle carrying the brothers veered off the road and burst into flames upon impact. Emergency responders were quickly on the scene, but the car was already engulfed in flames, leaving no opportunity for rescue.
Jota had just married his long-time partner Rute five days earlier. The couple have three young children. His sudden death so soon after such a personal milestone has only deepened the heartbreak shared by fans, teammates, and the broader football family.
Born in Massarelos, Porto, Diogo Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira before signing with Atlético Madrid. He was loaned to FC Porto and later to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he became one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards. His success at Wolves earned him a £45 million move to Liverpool in 2020, where he quickly established himself as a fan favourite under then-manager Jürgen Klopp.
Jota lifted multiple trophies during his career, including the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. He was capped 49 times by the national team and scored 14 goals, becoming an integral part of a golden Portuguese generation.
Despite injuries affecting recent seasons, Jota’s contribution to Liverpool was undeniable. He scored crucial goals in domestic and European competitions and formed a key part of Liverpool’s famous attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.
As news of his death broke, tributes poured in from every corner of the footballing world. At Anfield, fans laid flowers, scarves, and handwritten notes outside the iconic Shankly Gates. Social media was flooded with heartfelt messages and emotional memories from teammates, coaches, and rival clubs.
Liverpool FC released a deeply emotional statement:
“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, Andre. We request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”
The Portuguese Football Federation echoed the heartbreak:
“Much more than an outstanding player, with nearly 50 caps for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all colleagues and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community. We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s longtime teammate on the national team, posted a raw and emotional tribute on Instagram:
“It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, and just now you’ve gotten married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish you all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you.”
Jota’s former club Wolves, where he became a household name in English football, said:
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
Manchester United also expressed their condolences on X:
“Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news.”
Everton, Liverpool’s city rivals, added:
“Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.”
The Premier League released a statement honouring Jota’s legacy:
“Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed.”
FC Porto, where both Jota and his brother Andre played during their youth careers, posted a tribute that included a photo of the two in their Porto kits:
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.”
Jota’s death has left a deep void not only in Portuguese football but across the global stage. His joy, humility, and passion for the game will be remembered far beyond the goals he scored or the trophies he lifted.
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