Portugal and Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 following a car accident in Spain, the Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) confirmed on Thursday. His younger brother, Andre Silva, a player with Portuguese second-division side FC Penafiel, also lost his life in the crash.
The fatal accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday near the Spanish province of Zamora. Spanish authorities said the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini when a tyre burst while overtaking another vehicle, causing the car to veer off the road and catch fire. Emergency services were unable to save either occupant.
The news has sent shockwaves through the football world, with tributes pouring in from clubs, teammates, and fans alike. In an official statement, the PFF expressed profound grief at the tragic deaths.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva,” the statement read. “Much more than an exceptional player with close to 50 caps for the national team, Jota was admired for his infectious energy and kind spirit. Both Diogo and Andre leave behind a legacy of passion, professionalism, and commitment.”
The federation has requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence ahead of Portugal’s fixture against Spain in the Women’s European Championship later in the day.
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, enjoyed a successful spell at Anfield, making 182 appearances and scoring 65 goals. He won the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cup titles with the Reds. Internationally, he earned 49 caps and was instrumental in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and again in 2025.
His death comes just weeks after he married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in a private ceremony on June 22. The couple has three young children.
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher was among the first to react publicly to the tragedy, writing on social media: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with all their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids.”
As investigations into the crash continue, football communities across Europe mourn the loss of two players whose lives and careers were tragically cut short.
