Liverpool football star Diogo Jota, dies with brother in car accident – Country

Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota was killed in a car accident in Spain when Lamborghini deviated from the road and exploded flames, police said Thursday. He is 28 years old.

Authorities say the Portuguese football star's 25-year-old brother André Silva also died in a car accident near the northwestern city of Zamora.

The crash occurred at midnight local time. Police said they are investigating the cause of the crash and the body is undergoing forensic analysis. Authorities have not confirmed which brother was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.

“Without the conclusion of expert evidence, the car left everything on the road due to the tire blowout when overtaking,” police said.

The brothers were heading east along an isolated highway, about an hour west of Zamora.

“The car was incinerated and they died,” said Spanish government official Ángel Blanco.

Both are Portuguese footballers Jota and Silva, according to police.

Jota recently married his long-term girlfriend – his high school lover – Rute Cardoso, who he shared on June 22 (just 10 days before his death. They shared three children.

“A day we will never forget,” he shared a video of their wedding day on Instagram.

Spanish media have released images of the crash. Photos show tire marks along the road along the damaged guardrail scratches, and the burned car can be seen several meters away.

The flames from the crash were summoned to nearby vegetation.

Liverpool Football Club issued a statement after Jota's death, saying it was “caused by the tragic death of Diogo Jota”.

Liverpool added: “Liverpool Football Club will not comment at this time and ask Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff to be respected as they try to satisfy unimaginable losses. We will continue to provide them with full support.”

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“The Portuguese Football Federation and all Portuguese football have suffered great damage due to the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in Spain this morning,” the Portuguese national team wrote in a statement.

“Far beyond a brilliant player, Diogo Jota is an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, with contagious joy and reference in his own community,” the statement continued.

“On behalf of me, on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to Diogo and André Silva's family and friends, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, respectively, the clubs where the players performed.”

The Portuguese Football Federation also asked UEFA to “stay silent for one minute this Thursday before our national team plays against Spain in the Women's European Championship.”

“We lost two championships. The deaths of Diogo and André Silva represent an irreparable loss of Portuguese football and we will do our best to commemorate their legacy.”

UEFA said its idea was affected by “heartbreaking losses” with relatives, friends and teammates. It confirmed that moments of silence will be observed in the 2025 Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro commented on the “accidental and tragic” death. He said Jota was “a very honored athlete in Portugal.”

“I express my deepest condolences to their families,” he said. “It's a sad day for football and national and international sports.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer talked about the “destructive news”.

“I'm sure I'll say that everyone said our first idea would be with his family and his friends,” he said. “There are millions of Liverpool fans, as well as football fans and non-fans, too. It's devastating and it's very important that we remember how difficult it will be for his friends and his family.”

“It doesn't make any sense. Now we're together and we're just married,” said Jota's Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I offer condolences to your family, your wife and your children. I hope they can have all the power in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”

The Premier League said it was “shocking and destructive”.

“Our sincerest condolences pay tribute to Diogo's family, Liverpool Football Club and all its supporters in this heartbreaking time,” it said. “Football has lost a championship that will be missed forever. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”

Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher wrote: “The idea is to be with their family and friends, especially his wife, Rute and three adorable children.”

Stan Collymore, another former Liverpool player, wrote: “I'm sure like many in the football family, there's also a deep feeling of shock, sadness and incredible when Diogo Jota's incredible new marriage at the age of 28.”

Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez shared a photo of himself, and Jota celebrated a goal together, writing: “There aren't so many words of pain in comfort. I will always remember your smile because of a good teammate on the court and under the court.”

“I send all my strength to his family, and wherever he is, I'm sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and three children. RipDiogo and André.”

LeBron James expressed his condolences to X, writing: “I pray to my loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected.”

Tennis player Rafael Nadal called Jota's death “sad and painful news.”

Nadal added: “At this difficult time, all my love, feelings and support are given to his wife, children, family and friends.”

On Thursday morning, Liverpool fans gathered outside Anfield at Liverpool Stadium to leave flowers, jerseys and other tributes to Jota.

Jota joined Wolves' Liverpool in 2020 and won three major trophies with Merseyside Club, including the Premier League title last season.

– Documents with the Associated Press