The football world is reeling after the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre Filipe Teixeira da Silva, commonly known as Andre Silva, who both died in a car accident in Spain on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The accident occurred in Cernadilla, a municipality in the northwestern province of Zamora, Spain. Spanish authorities confirmed that the vehicle veered off the motorway following a tyre blowout while overtaking another car, causing it to crash and catch fire. Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash happened just weeks after Jota’s wedding, intensifying the heartbreak for family, friends, and football fans around the globe.
While Diogo Jota, 28, was a household name due to his successful career at Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, Wolverhampton, Liverpool, and the Portugal national team, Andre Silva, 25, was also a rising professional in Portuguese football.
Here are five important things to know about Andre Silva:
1. A Versatile Attacking Midfielder
Andre Silva was known for his versatility and creativity on the pitch. Primarily an attacking midfielder, he was also effective on either wing. His technical skill, agility, and vision allowed him to play multiple attacking roles with ease.
2. Graduate of FC Porto’s Renowned Youth Academy
Born in Gondomar, Portugal, on April 28, 2000, Silva began his youth career at Gondomar S.C. before being scouted by FC Porto in 2011. He spent six formative years in one of the top football academies in Europe, where he played with some of Portugal’s best young talent.
3. Represented Multiple Portuguese Clubs
Silva’s professional path included spells at Paços de Ferreira, Padroense (on loan), Famalicão U23, and Boavista U23. In 2021, he returned briefly to Gondomar before joining Penafiel in 2023, where he began gaining consistent playing time in Portugal’s Liga Portugal 2.
4. Finding His Footing at Penafiel
At Penafiel, Silva was beginning to show real promise. Over two seasons, he made 62 appearances and scored seven goals. His performances highlighted both his progression and potential, and he was becoming a key player for the second-division club.
5. Tributes Pour In Across European Football
In the wake of the tragedy, UEFA announced that all UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying matches on July 3 and 4 would observe a minute’s silence to honor the lives of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. Matches like Belgium vs Italy, Denmark vs Sweden, and Germany vs Poland are among those scheduled.
“UEFA announces that a moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva who tragically passed away today,” UEFA stated.
