Image Credentials: Image Title: Liverpool and Portugal Star Diogo Jota Dies in Car Accident Aged 28 Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: June 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
Zamora, Spain – July 3, 2025
The world of football is in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in northwestern Spain on Thursday morning. He was just 28 years old.
The crash, which occurred on the Rías Bajas highway near Zamora, also claimed the life of his younger brother, Andre Silva, aged 25. According to Spanish authorities, the vehicle they were traveling in veered off the road and burst into flames shortly after midnight.
28-year-old Liverpool player Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain https://t.co/JtqTW48jUq pic.twitter.com/lQIKW5f39t
— The Bolton News (@TheBoltonNews) July 3, 2025
The Castille-Leon regional fire department confirmed that both occupants of the car were found dead at the scene. While an investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway, local officials say the accident appears to have been a high-speed collision.
The tragedy comes just days after Jota’s wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, in their hometown of Porto. The couple had three children together.
Jota began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira before spells at Atletico Madrid, FC Porto, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2020, he joined Liverpool FC, becoming an integral part of the squad that lifted the English Premier League title last season, as well as earlier triumphs in the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds and earned 49 caps for the Portuguese national team, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
In a statement, Liverpool FC expressed deep sorrow:
“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.
Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and 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 (FPF) also released a heartfelt tribute:
“We are devastated by the death of Diogo Jota. He was not only a fantastic player but an extraordinary person who brought joy and inspiration to his community. We have lost two champions. Their deaths are an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we will honour their legacy every day.”
Tributes have poured in from around the football world, with teammates, fans, and clubs expressing their grief and sharing memories of a player known for his tenacity, humility, and vibrant personality both on and off the pitch.
As the investigation continues, flags have been lowered at Anfield and in Porto, and moments of silence are expected at matches across Europe this weekend.