In a tragic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva were killed in a devastating car accident in Spain early Thursday, July 3, 2025. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that the Lamborghini the brothers were traveling in veered off the A-52 highway near the northwestern city of Zamora shortly after midnight, bursting into flames and leaving no survivors.
Both Portuguese nationals, Jota was 28 and Silva 25. While Diogo Jota was a prominent figure in international football, having scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and earning 49 caps for Portugal, his brother André was also a professional footballer playing for Penafiel in Portugal's second division. The accident occurred on an isolated stretch near the Portuguese border, with police investigating the possibility that a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle caused the crash.
Jota’s death comes just weeks after he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22, 2025. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year. Social media posts from the wedding showed the happy couple with their family, with Cardoso captioning one image simply, “Yes to forever.” The heartbreak of losing a husband and father so suddenly has deeply affected their family, friends, and the football community worldwide.
Diogo Jota’s football journey began in his hometown of Porto, Portugal, where he made his professional debut with Paços de Ferreira. After a stint with Atlético Madrid and a loan to Porto, he moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. His impressive form there earned him a £40 million transfer to Liverpool in 2020. At Anfield, Jota quickly became a fan favorite, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s recent successes, including the FA Cup and League Cup victories in 2022 and the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season.
His final goal for Liverpool was a memorable winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton in April 2025, a strike that propelled the Reds closer to their league triumph. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed profound sorrow, stating, “What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not.” He continued, emphasizing the personal loss beyond football, “My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.”
Liverpool Football Club released a statement describing the loss as “unfathomable” and requested privacy for the family during this incredibly difficult time. Fans flocked to Anfield, laying flowers, scarves, and jerseys in tribute, while Liverpool’s town hall lowered its flag to half-staff in honor of the fallen star. The club’s players are due back for pre-season training on Monday, July 7, 2025, but the shadow of this tragedy looms large over preparations.
André Silva, while less known internationally, was a respected midfielder who had played for Porto’s youth teams and later joined Penafiel in 2023, making 59 league appearances over two seasons. Penafiel released a statement offering “sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared moments of life and passion for sport with André and Diogo.”
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and national football community are in mourning. FPF president Pedro Proença described the brothers as “two champions” and called Jota “an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in his community.” A minute of silence was observed before the Women’s European Championship match between Portugal and Spain in Switzerland on July 3, and UEFA confirmed a moment of silence would also be held at Euro 2025 matches on July 4.
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed his condolences, saying, “Diogo Jota was an athlete who greatly honored Portugal’s name. It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sports.” Former Portuguese national team manager Fernando Santos recalled Jota’s dedication, highlighting how he attended the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to support the team despite being injured, underscoring the player’s commitment and character.
Among the many tributes pouring in, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s teammate on the Portuguese national team, posted a heartfelt message on social media: “It doesn’t make any sense. 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.”
LeBron James, an NBA star and minority owner of Liverpool, and tennis legend Rafael Nadal also expressed their shock and sorrow at the loss of the brothers. The Premier League described the news as “shocking and devastating,” while UEFA and various football organizations worldwide joined in mourning.
Beyond his on-field exploits, Jota was also known for his passion for esports, particularly FIFA and Football Manager. In 2021, he reached the No. 1 spot on the FIFA Ultimate Team Champions leaderboard and owned the gaming team LUNA Esports, reflecting his multifaceted interests and connection with fans off the pitch.
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Porto, Portugal, where both brothers were born and began their football journeys. The city, the club, and the football world prepare to say goodbye to two lives taken far too soon.
This tragic accident has left a void in the football community, with Liverpool and Portugal losing not only a gifted player but also a beloved human being whose infectious joy and dedication inspired many. As investigations continue into the precise causes of the crash, the focus remains on honoring the legacy of Diogo Jota and André Silva, whose memories will live on in the hearts of fans, teammates, and loved ones around the world.
