In a tragedy that has stunned the football world, Portuguese international and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28.
His younger brother, André Jota, 26, was also killed in the crash. The news comes just days after Diogo had celebrated his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
The fatal accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, near the Sanabria region of Zamora, in northwestern Spain. Both brothers were travelling along the A-52 motorway when their vehicle veered off the road near kilometre 65.
The car reportedly caught fire on impact, with flames spreading to surrounding vegetation.
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother have both passed away due to traffic accident, reports Marca.
AdvertisementDeepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, his family and loved ones.
May his soul rest in peace. 🤍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/qwz7soJu5n
Advertisement— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2025
Emergency services responded quickly, but both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Spanish authorities have yet to confirm the official cause of the crash, but early reports suggest a possible tyre blowout may have led to the vehicle losing control. An investigation is ongoing, and no foul play has been suggested at this stage.
The Incident: What Happened in Zamora
Diogo and André Jota were involved in a single-vehicle accident while driving on the A-52 motorway near Sanabria in Zamora province. The car veered off the road, ignited upon impact, and was engulfed in flames before emergency responders arrived. Despite their efforts, both brothers were declared dead on site, and authorities are examining technical factors that may have contributed to the crash.
Full statement from the Spanish Guardia Civil
We can now bring you the full statement from the Guardia Civil, given verbally, confirming the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva:
“The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.
“It was in the early hours, 00:30 local time (23:30 BST), in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.
“The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”
When asked to confirm the identities of those involved in the accident, the Guardia Civil said: “The player and his brother, André Silv
The Career of Diogo Jota
Jota began his professional football journey at Paços de Ferreira in Portugal before securing a move to Atlético Madrid in 2016. He later impressed during a loan at FC Porto and made his name at Wolverhampton Wanderers, leading to a €44.7 million move to Liverpool in 2020. At Liverpool, he played 182 games, scored 65 goals, and helped the team win the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Internationally, he was a key figure for the Portuguese national team, earning nearly 50 caps and contributing to two UEFA Nations League-winning campaigns. Known for his sharp movement and finishing ability, Jota was widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and versatile forwards of his generation. His success came through consistency, quiet determination, and tactical discipline on the pitch.
The Reaction and What Comes Next
Although Liverpool FC had not released an official statement by the time of reporting, tributes have already begun pouring in from teammates, fans, and national football bodies.
The Portuguese Football Federation issued a message of “deep sorrow,” and a minute’s silence is expected before Portugal’s next international fixture. Supporters have gathered at Anfield and in Porto to lay flowers, jerseys, and personal notes in his memory.
Just ten days before the accident, Jota married his long-time partner in a private ceremony in Porto, attended by friends and family. The couple had recently shared photos celebrating the birth of their third child, making the loss especially heartbreaking for those close to him. André Jota, though less well known, had been playing for F.C. Penafiel in Portugal’s second division and was regarded as a hardworking and committed player.
As the investigation continues, both clubs and national bodies are expected to organise formal tributes. A memorial is reportedly being planned at Anfield, and a public remembrance may follow in Portugal. For now, the football world mourns not just a player, but two lives cut tragically short.
RIP Diogo and Andre