Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in northwestern Spain, alongside his brother André.
The accident occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday in Cernadilla, Zamora province, when their vehicle veered off the motorway and burst into flames. Spanish authorities said the crash was likely caused by a tyre blowout while overtaking.
Jota, 28, had only recently married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso on 22 June. He posted a wedding video just hours before the tragedy. The couple had three children.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the news, with president Pedro Proenca describing Jota as “an extraordinary person” and “a reference for his community”. A minute’s silence was requested before Portugal’s Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain.
Jota, who began his career with Paços de Ferreira, played for Porto, Atlético Madrid, and Wolves before joining Liverpool in 2020. He scored nine goals last season as the Reds claimed their 20th Premier League title.
Proenca added: “We have lost two champions. The death of Diogo and André Silva are irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honour their legacy.”
The football world has been left in shock by the tragic news
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
