Liverpool FC and the global football community are mourning the devastating loss of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who died alongside his younger brother André Silva in a car accident in Spain in the early hours of July 3, 2025.
The 28-year-old was travelling by road after undergoing lung surgery, which prompted doctors to advise him against flying. Jota and his 25-year-old brother, also a professional footballer, were en route to Santander, a port city in northern Spain, intending to take a ferry to Portsmouth and continue their journey by car to Liverpool.
Their vehicle, a Lamborghini, suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another car near Zamora, veered off the road, and burst into flames. Both brothers were declared dead at the scene.
Authorities reported that the fire damage was so severe that the bodies could not be immediately identified. Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, was forced to identify them in a heart-wrenching moment following the crash.
CNN Portugal journalist Rui Laura confirmed:
“The surgery he had had was lung surgery, and he had been advised against flying following this. He was on his way to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to cross the ferry and reach the UK that way. He was on his way to Liverpool with his brother.”
Recent Triumph Turned Tragedy
Jota had recently celebrated Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory over Spain on June 8, coming on as a substitute. Just 11 days before the crash, he married Rute Cardoso, his long-time partner and the mother of their three children, in a ceremony held in Porto.
He was due to return to Liverpool for pre-season training, ahead of matches against Preston North End, AC Milan, Yokohama FM, and Athletic Club, culminating in the Community Shield fixture against Crystal Palace on August 10.
Liverpool and Football World Pay Tribute
Liverpool FC confirmed the tragic news in an official statement:
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates, and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Fans have begun laying flowers, jerseys, and notes outside Anfield, with many calling for Jota’s number 20 shirt to be retired as a mark of respect.
Diogo Jota’s Legacy
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £45 million. Over five seasons, he made 182 appearances, scored 65 goals, and helped the club win:
- The Premier League in 2025,
- The FA Cup in 2022,
- And the League Cup in 2022.
He previously played for Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, and Paços de Ferreira, and earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals.
His brother, Andre Silva, was also building a professional football career and played for Penafiel in Portugal’s Liga Portugal 2.
UEFA and Clubs Across Europe Pay Homage
UEFA has announced that a minute of silence will be observed at all UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying matches to honor both brothers. Clubs, teammates, and national football federations across Europe have issued tributes, mourning the shocking loss of two young lives full of promise.
