Soccer star Diogo Jota, brother Andre killed in car crash in Spain

Canada News.Net

05-07-2025

MADRID, Spain: Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, have died in a car accident in Spain. Spanish police confirmed that the crash occurred near the city of Zamora in the northwest of the country.
The two were traveling in a Lamborghini when the car veered off the road after midnight and caught fire. Both brothers were found dead at the scene.
Jota was 28 years old and had just married Rute Cardoso during his summer break. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year. His wife shared a heartfelt message after their wedding, writing "Yes to forever" on social media.
Police say they are still investigating the cause of the accident. No other vehicles were involved, and it remains unclear who was driving. One theory is that a tire may have burst while the car was trying to overtake another vehicle. Forensic tests are being conducted on the bodies.
The accident happened on a remote stretch of highway near the Portuguese border. Spanish media released video footage showing tire skid marks, broken guardrails, and the charred wreck of the car. A passing truck driver captured video of the vehicle engulfed in flames.
Reports in Portuguese media said Jota was on his way to the northern Spanish city of Santander to catch a ferry to England. He had been advised not to fly due to a recent lung procedure. However, these reports have not been officially confirmed.
The funeral is expected to take place on July 5 in Jota's hometown of Porto, Portugal.
Jota had just completed a successful season with Liverpool, helping the team win the Premier League title. He was also part of Portugal's national team that won the UEFA Nations League, playing his final match for the country on June 8 against Spain. His brother André played for Portuguese lower-league club Penafiel.
Liverpool released a statement saying the club was "devastated" by the loss. Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and requests privacy for the family, friends, teammates, and staff of Diogo and André as they cope with this unimaginable loss. We will continue to support them fully."
Fans left flowers, team scarves, and messages outside Anfield Stadium. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed deep sorrow: "What can anyone say at a time like this, when the pain is so raw? I wish I had the words, but I don't. My first thoughts are not as a football manager, but as a father, brother, and son. Our hearts are with the family of Diogo and André."
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and went on to score 65 goals in 182 appearances. One of his most memorable goals came in April this year, when he scored the winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton.
Tributes poured in from across the world. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Jota was "an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name." He added, "It is a sad day for football and for all of sports."
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, said, "More than a fantastic player with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person. His joy was contagious. His loss is devastating."
A moment of silence was held before the Women's European Championship match between Portugal and Spain in Switzerland. UEFA also announced that a tribute would be observed at upcoming Euro 2025 matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo, visibly shaken, posted an emotional message: "Just now we were together in the national team. Just now you got married. It doesn't make any sense—my condolences to your wife and children. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. You will be deeply missed."
Liverpool's former club, Porto, and many other clubs, players, and federations expressed their condolences. The Premier League said it was "shocked and devastated" and described Jota as "a champion who will be forever missed."
Even outside the football world, figures such as NBA star LeBron James — a part-owner of Liverpool — and tennis legend Rafael Nadal shared their sympathies.
At Wimbledon, organizers confirmed that players will be allowed to wear black ribbons to honor Jota despite the traditional all-white dress code.
Jota's death marks a profound loss for Portuguese football, Liverpool, and the global sports community. He was not only a talented player but also a beloved teammate, father, and friend.