Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in Spain, aged 28. His brother, 26-year-old André Silva, was also killed in the accident.
The tragic news was first reported by Portuguese media before being confirmed by Portugal’s Prime Minister and the country’s football federation.
Jota and his brother were travelling in a car that veered off a road in Zamora, northwest Spain.
Jota, a father of three, had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, less than two weeks ago. The couple tied the knot in Porto on June 22 and recently shared photos from their wedding.
On June 30, Rute posted a tribute: “My dream came true.”
Jota replied: “I’m the lucky one.”
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, writing:
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
In a statement, Liverpool FC said: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
“The club have been informed 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.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, said:
“The Portuguese football federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, this morning in Spain.
“Much more than a fantastic player, who played almost 50 matches for the national A team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played, respectively.
“The Portuguese football federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence this Thursday, before our team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
Diogo Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances.
During his time at the club, he won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. He also helped Wolves secure promotion to the top flight in 2018 and was twice a UEFA Nations League winner with Portugal.
His brother André was a professional footballer with Penafiel, a club in Portugal’s second division.
Diogo Jota was widely admired by teammates and fans alike for his humility and warmth. He remained a central figure in Liverpool’s squad and a reliable performer for Portugal on the international stage.
