The soccer world is in mourning after the devastating loss of Diogo Jota, Liverpool and Portugal forward, who tragically died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025, alongside his younger brother Andre Silva. As tributes poured in from across the globe, Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional four-word statement captured the heartbreak of a nation and a sport grieving a sudden, incomprehensible tragedy.
According to Spanish authorities, the 28-year-old Jota and his 26-year-old brother were driving a Lamborghini that suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking on the A-52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria. The car veered off the road and burst into flames, leaving the brothers trapped inside. Emergency services arrived quickly, but both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Zamora Provincial Council confirmed the heartbreaking details in a public statement: “The vehicle caught fire, and the flames spread to the vegetation. They were 28 and 26 years old. RIP.”
Diogo Jota’s rise to stardom
Born in Porto, Jota began his career at Pacos de Ferreira before being signed by Atletico Madrid in 2016. A loan move to his ex-club followed, but it was at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League where Jota began to shine. His performances caught the eye of Liverpool, who signed him for $52.7 million in 2020.
Jota quickly became a fan favorite at Anfield, known for his relentless energy, sharp finishing, and versatility across the front line. In his 182 appearances, he scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists, helping the Reds to a Premier League title in 2024-25, an FA Cup and League Cup double in 2021-22.
On the international stage, Jota was a vital part of Portugal’s national team, amassing nearly 50 caps and contributing to UEFA Nations League titles in both 2019 and 2025, including playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in both campaigns.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional farewell
Among the many tributes, it was Cristiano Ronaldo’s that struck the deepest emotional chord. The Portugal captain, who had shared the pitch and success with Jota, expressed his disbelief and sorrow in a message that has since gone viral:
“It doesn’t make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
These four words—“It doesn’t make sense”—now echo through soccer stadiums, press rooms, and social media feeds as the sport attempts to come to terms with a loss that feels unreal.
Clubs, players, and fans across the world echoed that sentiment. Former teammates, rivals, and legends of the game offered condolences, including Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, and many others.
