'Unfathomable': Football world in mourning as Liverpool star forward Diogo Jota, 28, and brother die suddenly in Spain
He was 28 years old.
According to the Spanish news agency EFE, the car reportedly had come off the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52), near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria, near Zamora in northwestern Spain.
The Lamborghini crashed and then burst into flames just after 12.30am (local time) on Thursday.
Shocking footage shows the charred remains of the supercar flipped over on the side of the main road, with emergency crews investigating the scene.
Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash.
Local media reported his brother and fellow footballer Silva, 26, also died in the crash.
Tragically, Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just two weeks ago.
They shared pictures of the day in front of the altar with their three children.
In the caption, they wrote: 'June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.'
The Portuguese striker joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Jota became a key member of the Reds under Jurgen Klopp and last season under Arne Slot.
The 28-year-old recently won the English Premier League in April following a 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield.
He also won an FA Cup and League Cup during his time with one of the world's biggest sporting giants.
Once the news broke the football world reacted to the devastating news.
Liverpool FC said they are devastated by the tragic passing.
"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre," the club said on Instagram.
"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."
An array of English Premier League clubs from Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton, and Manchester City have passed on their condolences.
Head of Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proenca said in a statement: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
"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 Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, the players. (lined up)"
English commentator Gary Neville said on X: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family."
Former England striker Alan Shearer simply said "heartbreaking".
While former English star Stan Collymore described the news as "unfathomable".
"I'm sure like many in the football family there's just a profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota's death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too," Collymore said.
Liverpool reporter Lewis Steele wrote on X: ''Oh his name is Diogo'. Desperately heartbreaking. Rest in peace Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.'
Podcast Anfield Edition said: 'We're at an absolute loss for words right now. Heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with the wife, children, family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother.'
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Liverpool ace Jota and brother killed in car accident
Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, were killed in a car accident in Spain when the Lamborghini they were in veered off a road and burst into flames, police say. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that Jota and his brother were found dead near the northwestern city of Zamora. Firefighters were called in as the fire spread into the nearby vegetation, authorities said. Police were investigating the causes of the accident that happened past midnight local time. They said there were no other vehicles involved. It wasn't clear who was driving the car. Police were looking into the hypothesis that the accident happened because of a blown tire. The accident occurred while they were driving eastward along an isolated stretch of highway about an hour west of Zamora. The 28-year-old Jota and his 25-year-old brother, both Portuguese players, were the only ones in the car, police said. Jota's death comes days after he married Rute Cardoso and in a social media post wrote, "Yes to forever." They had three children, the youngest born last year. Jota also played for Portugal's national team and helped them win the Nations League last month. Silva played with Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions. Liverpool said the club was "devastated by the tragic passing." "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." Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and won three major trophies with the Merseyside club - including the Premier League title last season. The Portuguese soccer federation released a statement lamenting the deaths. Federation president Pedro Proença said Portuguese soccer was "completely devastated." "More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community," Proença said in the statement. "We lost two champions," Proença added. "Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honor their legacy daily." Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro commented on the "unexpected and tragic" deaths. He said Jota was "an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name." "I extend my deepest condolences to their family," he said. "It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sports." Reaction also started pouring in from across the world, including from non-soccer players such as NBA star Lebron James and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. "It doesn't make any sense," Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said. "Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married. My condolences to your family, to your wife and to your children. I wish them all the strength in the world. I know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you." The Premier League said it was "shocked and devastated." "Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time," it said. "Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club." UEFA said its thoughts were with relatives, friends and teammates affected "by this heartbreaking loss." It said a moment of silence will be observed at Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday. with AP Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, were killed in a car accident in Spain when the Lamborghini they were in veered off a road and burst into flames, police say. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that Jota and his brother were found dead near the northwestern city of Zamora. Firefighters were called in as the fire spread into the nearby vegetation, authorities said. Police were investigating the causes of the accident that happened past midnight local time. They said there were no other vehicles involved. It wasn't clear who was driving the car. Police were looking into the hypothesis that the accident happened because of a blown tire. The accident occurred while they were driving eastward along an isolated stretch of highway about an hour west of Zamora. The 28-year-old Jota and his 25-year-old brother, both Portuguese players, were the only ones in the car, police said. Jota's death comes days after he married Rute Cardoso and in a social media post wrote, "Yes to forever." They had three children, the youngest born last year. Jota also played for Portugal's national team and helped them win the Nations League last month. Silva played with Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions. Liverpool said the club was "devastated by the tragic passing." "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." Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and won three major trophies with the Merseyside club - including the Premier League title last season. The Portuguese soccer federation released a statement lamenting the deaths. Federation president Pedro Proença said Portuguese soccer was "completely devastated." "More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community," Proença said in the statement. "We lost two champions," Proença added. "Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honor their legacy daily." Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro commented on the "unexpected and tragic" deaths. He said Jota was "an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name." "I extend my deepest condolences to their family," he said. "It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sports." Reaction also started pouring in from across the world, including from non-soccer players such as NBA star Lebron James and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. "It doesn't make any sense," Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said. "Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married. My condolences to your family, to your wife and to your children. I wish them all the strength in the world. I know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you." The Premier League said it was "shocked and devastated." "Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time," it said. "Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club." UEFA said its thoughts were with relatives, friends and teammates affected "by this heartbreaking loss." It said a moment of silence will be observed at Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday. with AP Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, were killed in a car accident in Spain when the Lamborghini they were in veered off a road and burst into flames, police say. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that Jota and his brother were found dead near the northwestern city of Zamora. Firefighters were called in as the fire spread into the nearby vegetation, authorities said. Police were investigating the causes of the accident that happened past midnight local time. They said there were no other vehicles involved. It wasn't clear who was driving the car. Police were looking into the hypothesis that the accident happened because of a blown tire. The accident occurred while they were driving eastward along an isolated stretch of highway about an hour west of Zamora. The 28-year-old Jota and his 25-year-old brother, both Portuguese players, were the only ones in the car, police said. Jota's death comes days after he married Rute Cardoso and in a social media post wrote, "Yes to forever." They had three children, the youngest born last year. Jota also played for Portugal's national team and helped them win the Nations League last month. Silva played with Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions. Liverpool said the club was "devastated by the tragic passing." "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." Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and won three major trophies with the Merseyside club - including the Premier League title last season. The Portuguese soccer federation released a statement lamenting the deaths. Federation president Pedro Proença said Portuguese soccer was "completely devastated." "More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community," Proença said in the statement. "We lost two champions," Proença added. "Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honor their legacy daily." Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro commented on the "unexpected and tragic" deaths. He said Jota was "an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name." "I extend my deepest condolences to their family," he said. "It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sports." Reaction also started pouring in from across the world, including from non-soccer players such as NBA star Lebron James and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. "It doesn't make any sense," Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said. "Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married. My condolences to your family, to your wife and to your children. I wish them all the strength in the world. I know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you." The Premier League said it was "shocked and devastated." "Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time," it said. "Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club." UEFA said its thoughts were with relatives, friends and teammates affected "by this heartbreaking loss." It said a moment of silence will be observed at Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday. with AP
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Reaction to deaths of Liverpool star Jota and brother
Reaction to the deaths of Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain:- "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." — The Liverpool soccer club. "Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you. — Portugal and Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo. "They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!" — Portugal and Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss." — European soccer governing body UEFA. "More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community. We lost two champions. Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honor their legacy daily." — Portuguese soccer federation president Pedro Proença. "The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sport." — Portugal Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. "Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids." — Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher. Reaction to the deaths of Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain:- "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." — The Liverpool soccer club. "Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you. — Portugal and Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo. "They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!" — Portugal and Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss." — European soccer governing body UEFA. "More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community. We lost two champions. Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honor their legacy daily." — Portuguese soccer federation president Pedro Proença. "The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sport." — Portugal Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. "Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids." — Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher. Reaction to the deaths of Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain:- "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." — The Liverpool soccer club. "Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you. — Portugal and Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo. "They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!" — Portugal and Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss." — European soccer governing body UEFA. "More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community. We lost two champions. Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honor their legacy daily." — Portuguese soccer federation president Pedro Proença. "The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sport." — Portugal Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. "Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids." — Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher.
The Australian
4 hours ago
- The Australian
Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies in car crash
Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died in a car crash alongside his brother just days after he got married. The 28-year-old Portuguese winger was involved in the accident in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother Andre Silva, 26, who played for second-tier club Penafiel. The dad-of-three star was in a Lamborghini with his brother when the vehicle went off the road and caught fire. Police said they believe one of the supercar's tyres burst. The Portuguese national football team have said they are 'devastated' by the Jota's death. They added that he 'was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents'. Jota had got married just 10 days ago to his longterm partner Rute Cardoso and the couple have three children, Dinis, Durate, and a daughter who was born in 2024 They had shared pictures of them in front of the altar with their kids before the tragedy. In the caption, they said: 'June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.' The Instagram post received over 190,000 likes and over 1,000 comments. And it included love heart emojis from fellow Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez and Natalia Becker, wife of goalkeeper Alisson. Tributes have been flooding in for the star, with ex-player and pundit Gary Neville saying: 'That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. 'All my love and best wishes to his family.' TV presenter Piers Morgan wrote: 'He only got married two weeks ago. Heartbreaking.' FC Porto also paid tribute, saying: 'Futebol Clube do Porto is in mourning. 'It is with shock and deep regret that we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our youth player. May they rest in peace.' The Portuguese forward started his career in his birthplace of Porto, playing for Paços de Ferreira. He made his first Primeira Liga appearance in 2015 and a year later moved to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. But the diminutive striker never made an appearance in La Liga and spent a year on loan at FC Porto where he scored eight goals. This caught the eye of then-Championship side Wolves who loaned the 20-year-old before making the move permanent for a reported £12 million. His 17 goals helped propel Wolves to the Premier League where he continued to impress at the highest level, scoring 16 goals over the following two seasons. In 2020, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool bolstered their already strong striking options with Jota in a reported £45 million deal. In five seasons at the club, he has scored 47 Premier League goals and helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups. Jota has also been a mainstay in Portugal's national team for the past five years, scoring 14 goals in 49 appearances for his country. Earlier this summer, he won the UEFA Nations League, coming on as a substitute in the final against Spain. In a statement, Spain's civil guard said: 'The Civil Guard is investigating a road accident that occurred at 12.30 this morning at kilometre 65 of the A52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. 'A vehicle left the road on the left side. 'The investigation points to a road accident due to a tire burst while overtaking. 'As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both occupants died. 'Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother Andre Felipe.' The Sun Football Australia's Golden Generation is getting a reboot – with the sons of some of the country's finest footballers following in their fathers' giant footsteps. We reveal the next gen stars inside. Football The Asian Cup is fast approaching, so do the Matildas have the chance to learn new coach Joe Montemurro's game plan? Erin Smith unpacks Montemurro's tactics on debut.
