In the early hours of July 3, 2025, the world of football was struck by devastating news as Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, tragically lost their lives in a fatal car accident in Zamora, Spain. The brothers, both professional footballers, were involved in a catastrophic crash on the A-52 highway near the town of Palacios de Sanabria, an incident that has left fans, teammates, and the wider football community in profound shock.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time (6:30 p.m. ET on July 2), when the Lamborghini carrying Jota and Silva reportedly suffered a tire blowout while attempting to overtake another vehicle. This caused the car to veer off the road and catch fire, resulting in the untimely deaths of both brothers. Emergency services, including the Guardia Civil, firefighters from the Zamora provincial brigade, and a Mobile Emergency Unit, responded swiftly but could only confirm the tragic loss at the scene.
Diogo Jota, who had recently celebrated his wedding to long-term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, leaves behind a young family that includes their three children: Dinis, aged four; Duarte, two; and a daughter born in late 2024. Just hours before the accident, Jota shared a heartfelt video of their wedding day on social media, capturing the joyous celebrations and tender moments with his family. The couple had been together since 2012, with Jota proposing in a picturesque lakeside setting in July 2022.
Jota's football career was marked by remarkable achievements and a meteoric rise. Beginning professionally with Paços de Ferreira, he moved to Atlético Madrid in 2016 before spending a season on loan at Porto, where his brother André was a youth player. In 2017, Jota joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, initially on loan, before making the move permanent. Over three seasons at Wolves, he scored 44 goals in 131 appearances, becoming a fan favorite and a key figure in the club's ascent.
In September 2020, Jota transferred to Liverpool FC for £41 million, quickly endearing himself to the Anfield faithful with his clinical finishing and relentless work ethic. He scored seven goals in his first ten appearances, drawing comparisons to legendary Reds striker Robbie Fowler. Despite injuries that occasionally sidelined him, Jota was a crucial player for manager Jürgen Klopp and featured prominently in Arne Slot’s title-winning Liverpool side during the 2024-2025 Premier League campaign. Over his Liverpool career, he amassed 65 goals in 182 appearances and was part of teams that won the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, as well as Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title last season.
Internationally, Jota was capped 49 times for Portugal, scoring 14 goals. His final match for the national team was a victorious Nations League final against Spain on June 8, 2025. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) expressed its devastation, describing Jota as “an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.” The FPF has requested UEFA to hold a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Euro 2025 women’s national team match against Spain on July 4, 2025, to honor the memory of both Diogo Jota and André Silva.
André Silva, Jota’s younger brother, was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in the Portuguese second division. He had progressed through youth academies at Porto and other clubs before joining Gondomar in 2021 and signing for Penafiel in 2023. Silva made 59 league appearances over the last two seasons and was known for his dedication and promise within Portuguese football circles.
The outpouring of grief and tributes has been immense. Liverpool FC expressed their devastation, stating, “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.” Manager Arne Slot described the club’s “sense of shock as absolute” and vowed to celebrate Jota’s life and legacy at the appropriate time. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp shared a heartfelt message, calling Jota “a fantastic player, a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father,” and sending prayers to the family.
Tributes have also come from across the football world and beyond. Wolves, Jota’s former club, said they were “heartbroken” and praised him as “adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him.” UEFA announced a minute’s silence for all Euro 2025 matches on July 3 and 4, 2025. Legendary figures such as Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, and Cristiano Ronaldo expressed their sorrow. Even NBA star LeBron James, a Liverpool stakeholder, paid tribute, highlighting the global impact of Jota’s loss.
The tragic accident has united fans and players from rival clubs and nations. Manchester United supporters laid scarves and flowers outside Anfield in a touching display of solidarity, while political figures like UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro conveyed their condolences. Prince William, patron of the Football Association, also expressed his deep sadness.
Reports indicate that Jota was traveling back to Liverpool for pre-season training and was en route to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to catch a ferry to the UK. This route was chosen due to medical advice following lung surgery that recommended he avoid flying. The crash is currently being investigated as a possible speeding incident.
Beyond his footballing prowess, Jota was a passionate gamer and entrepreneur, having launched an esports organization in 2020 called Luna Esports (formerly Diogo Jota eSports). EA Sports FC, creators of the popular football gaming franchise, paid tribute to him as a talented member of their community.
The loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva is a profound tragedy for Portuguese and international football. Their careers, personalities, and contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark. As the football world mourns, their legacy will continue to inspire fans and players alike.
Flags at Liverpool Town Hall have been lowered to half-mast, and memorials have grown outside Anfield, where thousands have gathered to pay their respects. The city and the sport have lost two bright stars, but the memories and spirit of Diogo Jota and André Silva will endure in the hearts of many.
