The world of soccer has been left reeling after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota, Liverpool forward and Portuguese international, who died in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning. He was 28 years old. Tragically, his younger brother, Andre Silva, aged 26, also lost his life in the accident.
The fatal incident occurred at 00:30 GMT+1 near Cernadilla, in the Zamora province, on the A-52 motorway. According to an official statement from the Spanish Guardia Civil, the brothers were driving a Lamborghini when the vehicle suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and burst into flames. Emergency services were unable to save either man, who passed away at the scene.
The news has shocked not only Liverpool fans but the entire soccer community. Only ten days earlier, Jota had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in a private ceremony in Portugal, surrounded by close friends and family. The couple shared three children: Denis, born in 2021, Duarte in 2023, and a newborn baby girl this year.
Soccer pays tribute
Liverpool FC released an emotional statement on Thursday morning: “Liverpool Soccer Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed that 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.”
Tributes have poured in from across the soccer world. Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Soccer Federation (FPF), called Jota: “Much more than a fantastic player… an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy.”
A minute’s silence will be observed before Portugal’s Women’s Euro qualifier against Spain on Thursday evening.
Career remembered
Jota began his career at Pacos de Ferreira before being signed by Atletico Madrid in 2016. He spent a season on loan at Porto, where he and Andre Silva—then a youth player—shared formative years. He truly made his mark at Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring 44 goals for the club and helping them to Premier League promotion under Nuno Espirito Santo.
In 2020, Liverpool paid $52.7 million to secure Jota’s services. He went on to make 182 appearances, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists. He played a key role in the Reds’ 2022 Premier League title, as well as their FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.
On the international stage, Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal, scoring 14 goals, and was part of the squads that won two UEFA Nations League titles, the second coming just last month.
Loss beyond soccer
Beyond the pitch, Jota was known for his humility, generosity, and love for his family. His passing, along with that of his brother Andre—who was playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division—has left a deep void in both Portuguese and European soccer.
Porto shared a heartfelt tribute: “It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.”
Portuguese soccer, in the words of Pedro Proenca, has lost “two champions.”
