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Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, in the Zamora region near Spain’s north-western border with Portugal.
Jota was reportedly travelling with his younger brother, André Silva, who also lost his life in the accident.
Spanish police, the Guardia Civil, confirmed that the vehicle, a Lamborghini, veered off the A52 motorway near Cernadilla due to a suspected tyre blowout while overtaking. The car caught fire after leaving the road, and both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 1:00am local time. Local authorities say the vehicle was headed towards Benavente when the crash occurred.
The devastating news has left the football world in mourning. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with Liverpool FC, teammates, and football legends expressing their shock and sorrow.
Jota’s death comes just days after he married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple, who had been together since 2013, share three young children.
Born in Massarelos, Portugal, Jota began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira before stints at Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2020, he signed for Liverpool, making 182 appearances and scoring 65 goals for the club.
Jota also earned 49 international caps for Portugal, playing a key role in their UEFA Nations League success.
Portuguese football authorities, clubs, and government officials have all expressed their condolences, describing Jota as an exceptional talent who represented Portuguese football with pride both on and off the field.
Pedro Proenca, head of the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement: ‘The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
‘Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
‘On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
‘The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship.
‘Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy’.
The tragic accident has shocked fans worldwide, as the football community remembers Jota not only for his skill on the pitch but also for his character and dedication to his family.
Spanish authorities say investigations into the accident are ongoing.
