Premier League reigning champions Liverpool FC have officially confirmed the tragic death of their Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother André, following a fatal road traffic accident in northern Spain.
The confirmation came via a brief statement posted on the club’s official website on Thursday, expressing heartbreak over the 28-year-old’s sudden passing and requesting privacy for the grieving family as they come to terms with the devastating loss.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said.
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, André. 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.”
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.” Liverpool concluded.
The accident reportedly occurred on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla in Zamora province, when the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road and caught fire, following what authorities suspect was a tyre blowout while overtaking. Emergency responders confirmed both men were dead at the scene.
The news has sent shockwaves through the football world, with tributes pouring in from fans, teammates, former clubs, and global sporting figures.
Prior to his untimely death, Jota had carved out a remarkable career at Liverpool, earning a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most efficient and lethal forwards. Since joining the Reds from Wolves in 2020, he scored over 60 goals in just under 180 appearances, helping the club to Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup titles.
He also represented Portugal’s national team on nearly 50 occasions, including appearances at UEFA Euro 2020, UEFA Nations League, and World Cup qualifiers.
Jota’s death comes just two weeks after he married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shares three children. He had described himself as “the luckiest man alive” in a heartfelt post following the wedding celebration in Porto.
Meanwhile, tributes have also been paid to his younger brother André, who was playing professionally for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and several European clubs have also issued condolence messages, with the FPF requesting a minute’s silence ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Women’s EURO clash between Portugal and Spain in honour of the brothers.
As the global football community mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Liverpool FC say they will continue to support the family through this incredibly painful period.