Local Spanish authorities have released an official statement amid reports Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died in a tragic car crash
Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Tragically Killed in Spanish Car Crash
In heartbreaking news that has rocked the football world, Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, along with his brother André Silva, have tragically died following a devastating car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time in the municipality of Cernadilla, located in the Zamora province of northwestern Spain. According to reports, the vehicle — a Lamborghini — suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing it to veer off the road and burst into flames.
Emergency services, including the Traffic Civil Guard, Fire Brigade, and Medical Emergency Unit, responded swiftly to the scene, but both occupants were pronounced dead upon arrival. The fire, which engulfed the vehicle, also spread to nearby vegetation, complicating rescue efforts.
The Zamora Provincial Council confirmed:
“Two young people die in an accident on the A-52 (Palacios de Sanabria). The vehicle caught fire, and the flames spread to the surrounding area. They were 28 and 26 years old. RIP.”
Confirmation of their identities came from the Guardia Civil, who stated plainly:
“The player and his brother, André Silva.”
The tragedy comes just weeks after Jota, 28, married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso in Porto. The couple shared three children together.
Jota’s career saw him rise from his early days at FC Paços de Ferreira to starring roles at Wolves, Liverpool, and the Portuguese national team, where he earned nearly 50 caps and was loved for his tenacity, versatility, and goal-scoring instincts. His brother, André Silva, was also involved in football, most recently playing for FC Penafiel.
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Portuguese Football Federation Statement
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) expressed profound sorrow in an official statement:
“The FPF and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain.
Far beyond being an exceptional player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents… someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his community.”
FPF president Fernando Gomes added:
“On behalf of the Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, and to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel.”
The Federation has requested that a minute’s silence be observed ahead of Portugal’s Women’s Euro match against Spain, to honor the lives of the two brothers.
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A Loss Beyond Football
Diogo Jota was not just a footballer of immense talent, but a beloved figure at every club he represented. His death, along with that of his younger brother, leaves a gaping hole in Portuguese football and in the hearts of Liverpool fans worldwide.
The footballing community mourns the loss of two lives taken far too soon.
Rest in peace, Diogo and André.
Once a Red, always a Red. 🕊️