In a heartbreaking tragedy that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 25, were killed in a devastating car crash in northwestern Spain early on July 3, 2025. The accident occurred near Cernadilla in Zamora province at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time, as confirmed by the Spanish Civil Guard and multiple sources.
The vehicle, identified by Spanish media as a Lamborghini, reportedly veered off the road due to a suspected tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The car subsequently caught fire, with flames spreading to nearby vegetation before emergency services arrived. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, with no other vehicles involved in the incident. Forensic teams are currently investigating the precise circumstances surrounding the crash.
Adding to the tragedy, Diogo Jota had just celebrated his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, in Porto, Portugal. The couple shared three young children, making the loss all the more profound for his family and loved ones. Jota’s brother André Silva was also a professional footballer, playing as a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second tier and having been a youth player at FC Porto.
Jota’s career was marked by remarkable achievements and a meteoric rise through the ranks of European football. Beginning at Paços de Ferreira in Portugal, he moved to Atlético Madrid before loan spells at FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he played a pivotal role in Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League. In September 2020, Jota transferred to Liverpool for £41 million, quickly becoming a fan favorite with his dynamic play and goal-scoring prowess.
Over five seasons at Anfield, Jota made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals, instrumental in Liverpool’s domestic success, including winning the Premier League in May 2025, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. Internationally, he earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and playing a key role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumphs in both 2019 and 2025.
The football community has been united in grief and tribute following the tragic news. Liverpool Football Club expressed devastation, stating, “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.”
Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager who brought Jota to the club in 2020, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose, but I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much. All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace – Love J.”
Teammates and fellow professionals also shared their sorrow and condolences. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal and Al Nassr forward, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you had only just got married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you.”
Darwin Núñez, Liverpool striker and close friend, added, “There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I’m sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children. May he rest in peace. Diogo and Andre.”
Former Liverpool players Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard expressed their shock and condolences. Carragher said, “Just in a state of shock. Not with anyone associated to Liverpool but football in general. It is one of the few times when the football family all come together. I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family – his wife and the children they’ve got, it’s devastating for all involved.” Gerrard simply posted, “RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”
The tragedy has also touched figures beyond football. LeBron James, NBA star and Liverpool minority owner, sent his prayers, saying, “My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!” Tennis legend Rafael Nadal offered his support as well, stating, “What sad and painful news. All my love, affection and support go out to his wife, children, family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.”
Clubs across Europe and beyond have paid tribute. FC Porto, where André Silva played as a youth, expressed deep regret and condolences, while Sporting CP lamented the loss of two Portuguese internationals. Atlético Madrid, Jota’s former club, also released a statement expressing shock. Premier League clubs including Manchester City, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton & Hove Albion joined the chorus of condolences.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) described the loss as “irreparable,” emphasizing Jota’s status not only as a “fantastic player” with nearly 50 caps but also as “an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference point in his own community.” The FPF announced a minute of silence would be observed at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches on July 3 and 4, 2025.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called it “a sad day for football and for national and international sports,” extending his deepest condolences to the family. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the devastating impact on the football community and beyond, highlighting the difficult period ahead for Jota’s family and friends.
The scene of the crash paints a grim picture of the tragedy. Located on a remote stretch of a dual carriageway, the car left the road, with scorched earth and debris scattered across the grass divider. Images released by Spanish media show tire marks veering off the road, torn guardrails, and the wreckage of the Lamborghini several meters ahead, surrounded by burnt vegetation.
As Liverpool fans gather at Anfield to lay flowers, scarves, and tributes, the football world grapples with the sudden and tragic loss of a beloved player, a devoted family man, and a cherished friend. The impact of Diogo Jota’s passing reverberates far beyond the pitch, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by his family, teammates, and fans worldwide.
While the community mourns, the legacy of Diogo Jota and André Silva will continue to inspire. Their lives, though tragically cut short, remind us of the preciousness of every moment and the profound connections forged through sport.
