Liverpool and Portugal international forward Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 following a car accident in northern Spain. His younger brother, André Silva, 26, who was also a professional footballer, died in the same incident.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning on the A-52 highway, near Cernadilla in the Zamora province—a key route for travellers from northern Portugal. Local reports say the Lamborghini they were travelling in suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, crash, and burst into flames.
Jota had recently celebrated his wedding to Rute Cardoso, his childhood sweetheart and the mother of his three children, in a ceremony in Porto just two weeks prior, describing himself at the time as “the luckiest man in the world.”
Emergency services in the Castilla y León region confirmed that both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A statement from the regional emergency operations centre read:
“The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. The vehicle was reported to be on fire. A Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and staff from the Mombuey Health Center attended the scene and confirmed the deaths of two individuals.”
The tragic news was officially confirmed by Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), who issued a heartfelt tribute:
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva. Much more than an incredible player, Diogo was an extraordinary human being—respected by teammates, opponents, and admired for his joy and commitment.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and clubs—Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel—that Diogo and André represented. Their losses are irreparable, and Portuguese football will do all it can to honour their legacy.”
The FPF has requested that a minute’s silence be observed before Portugal’s UEFA Women’s EURO match against Spain on Thursday as a mark of respect.
Jota, born in Porto, enjoyed a stellar career in both club and international football. He rose to prominence at Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining Liverpool in 2020, where he became a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad, helping the club to multiple domestic and European honours.
Jota earned nearly 50 senior caps for Portugal, featuring in the UEFA Nations League and European Championships, and was widely known for his work rate, sharp finishing, and team-first attitude.
Jota’s brother, André Silva had been playing for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
As tributes pour in from across the football world, fans and players alike mourn the loss of a beloved player, teammate, and father.
Liverpool FC is expected to release an official statement shortly.