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The Incident
The football world is mourning the tragic loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died at the age of 28 in a car crash in Spain. His younger brother, André Silva, also lost his life in the accident. The incident occurred near the city of Zamora in northwestern Spain. According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the Lamborghini they were traveling in veered off the road and burst into flames. Investigations suggest that a tire blowout while overtaking may have caused the crash.
A Life and Career Cut Short
Diogo Jota, born in Porto, Portugal, began his professional football career with Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid, FC Porto (on loan), Wolverhampton Wanderers, and eventually Liverpool in 2020. At Liverpool, he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals, contributing significantly to the team’s successes, including winning the Premier League in the 2024-25 season.
Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and helping the national team win the UEFA Nations League twice.
A Wave of Grief
The football world was quick to respond with tributes and condolences. Liverpool FC issued a statement: “Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club has been informed that 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 requests that the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates, and club staff be respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Fans gathered outside Anfield Stadium, leaving flowers, scarves, and messages in memory of Jota. One supporter told the BBC, “He’ll be remembered with a smile on his face, scoring goals for Liverpool. But in a time like this, football pales into insignificance.” Another fan, Ronnie, said, “There’s not a word that I can think of to say how sad I am. For the player he was, it’s unbelievable news.” The flag at Liverpool’s town hall was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Tributes and Memories
The tributes to Diogo and Andre poured in from all corners of the world. Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher wrote, “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.” Darts player Stephen Bunting, a Liverpool fan, shared a personal memory: “Such sad news I’m hearing. RIP Diogo Jota. What a lovely person. My heart goes out to the family.”
Fans on X expressed their grief, with posts reflecting the shock and sorrow. One user wrote, “Eish, this is sad. Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s Portuguese forward, dies in a car crash along with his brother Andre. He was only 28, and he got married almost two weeks ago.” Another posted, “Awful news. RIP Diogo.” The sentiment was universal: a talented player and a kind person was gone too soon.
Key Facts About the Incident
- Date and Time: July 3, 2025, around 12:30 a.m. local time.
- Location: A-52 highway, Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain.
- Cause: Tire blowout while overtaking, causing the car to crash and catch fire.
- Vehicle: Lamborghini, reportedly a £150,000 Urus SUV.
- Victims: Diogo Jota, 28, and Andre Silva, 26.
- Emergency Response: Firefighters and medical personnel responded but could not save the brothers.
- Investigation: The Spanish Civil Guard is examining the cause of the tire blowout.
Jota’s Career Highlights
- Paços de Ferreira: Youngest player to score in Portugal’s top division (2015).
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: Helped secure Premier League promotion (2017-18); 44 goals in 131 appearances.
- Liverpool FC: Signed for £41 million in 2020; won Premier League (2024-25), FA Cup (2022), League Cup (2022, 2024); 65 goals in 182 appearances.
- Portugal National Team: 49 caps, 14 goals; UEFA Nations League winner (2019, 2025).
Andre Silva’s Career
- Porto Youth: Played in the youth system from 2011 to 2017.
- Penafiel: Signed in 2023; made 59 appearances in Portugal’s second division.
- Other Clubs: Spent time at Gondomar and other Portuguese youth academies.
