Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, aged 28, was killed early Thursday morning in a devastating car accident in northern Spain.
The Portuguese international, along with his brother Andre Silva, 26, lost their lives after their Lamborghini careered off the A-52 highway near Zamora. Emergency services confirmed both brothers could not be saved, with their bodies identified through the vehicle’s number plate.
The crash occurred just after 12:30 a.m. local time, with initial reports indicating the Lamborghini’s tyre may have blown out while overtaking, causing the supercar to lose control, veer off the road, and burst into flames. Shocking footage shows the charred remains of the vehicle flipped on its side, debris scattered across the scene, and tyre marks indicating where the car left the roadway. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved, and both fatalities were confirmed at the scene.
Jota was traveling to Santander to catch a ferry back to the UK, aiming to rejoin Liverpool for pre-season training scheduled to start on Monday. His plans to return to Liverpool were made after he was advised against flying due to recent lung surgery, which had temporarily restricted his travel options. Reports from Portugal revealed that medical professionals advised him not to fly, prompting him to choose the ferry route instead.
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the football world and beyond. Just two weeks prior, Jota had married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, in Porto, in a ceremony he described as “a day we will never forget.” The couple, who have three children, shared heartfelt posts celebrating their union, with Jota expressing his happiness at marrying “the love of his life.”
Tributes poured in from across football and public figures. Prince William, President of the FA, expressed his deep sadness, and Cristiano Ronaldo, a close friend and Portugal teammate, called Jota’s death “makes no sense,” emphasizing their recent victory together in the Nations League. Liverpool FC, along with former teammates and fans, mourned the loss, with many leaving flowers and tributes outside Anfield Stadium.
Jota’s career highlights include helping Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup since joining from Wolves in 2020. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, becoming a fan favorite and one of the club’s key players. His journey from Portuguese suburbs to the global football stage was an inspiring story of dedication and talent.
His untimely death leaves a profound void in the football community, and his legacy as a talented, kind-hearted player will be remembered forever. Fans and colleagues mourned the loss of a beloved figure who achieved his childhood dream of playing at the highest level and brought joy to millions around the world.
