In a tragic turn of events, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, have died in a car accident in Spain. The accident occurred early Thursday morning near the city of Zamora, close to Spain's northwestern border with Portugal.
The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that the 28-year-old football star and his 26-year-old brother were found dead after the car they were traveling in veered off the A-52 motorway in the municipality of Cernadilla and caught fire. Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident, with initial reports suggesting a blown tire may have contributed to the vehicle leaving the road while attempting to overtake another vehicle. Authorities have confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident. It remains unclear who was driving at the time of the crash.
The fire department in Castille-Leon reported that the crash occurred just after midnight on Thursday, with the car bursting into flames. The bodies of the two men were found inside the vehicle. Forensic analysis is currently underway.
Diogo Jota had just recently celebrated his marriage to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22, 2025. He is survived by his wife and three children. His brother, Andre Silva, was also a footballer, playing for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.
The news of the brothers' passing has sent shockwaves through the football world. The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement expressing their devastation, saying, "We have lost two champions... We will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day". They have requested a minute of silence before Portugal's game against Spain in the Women's Euros on Thursday evening, which has been granted.
Liverpool FC also released a statement, saying the club is "devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota". Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expressed his disbelief and sadness, calling it a "devastating" loss for Jota's family.
Jota, who arrived at Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, played a key role in Liverpool's success in recent years. He helped the team win the Premier League title last season, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions. Jota also represented Portugal's national team on 49 occasions, winning the UEFA Nations League twice.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota's Portugal teammate, shared his condolences, saying, "Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married... Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you".
Tributes have begun to pour in at Anfield Stadium in memory of Diogo Jota. The football community is united in mourning the loss of two talented individuals.
