Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car accident in northwestern Spain at the age of 28.
The crash occurred in the early hours of the morning near Zamora. Jota’s younger brother, André Silva, 26, also a professional footballer, was also killed in the incident.
According to initial reports from the Guardia Civil, the vehicle left the road after a suspected tyre blowout while overtaking. The car subsequently caught fire, and both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning.
Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids 💔 pic.twitter.com/BSYBL5yVre— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 3, 2025
Jota had only recently married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, on 22 June 2025. The couple, who had been together since 2012, shared three children.
Born in Portugal, Jota began his footballing career in his homeland before moving to Atlético Madrid.
He later joined Wolverhampton Wanderers and signed with Liverpool in 2020. Over five seasons at Anfield, he made significant contributions, including six goals during Liverpool’s recent Premier League title-winning campaign. Off the pitch, he was known for his passion for gaming and owned an eSports team.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. The Portuguese Football Federation expressed its heartbreak, describing Jota as not only a talented player with nearly 50 international caps but also a person of great character and joy. A minute’s silence will be held before Portugal’s upcoming Women’s European Championship fixture.
The deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva mark a devastating loss for their families, clubs, and the wider footballing community.
