In a devastating blow to the football world, Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, were killed in a horrific car accident in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, on Spain’s A‑52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora.
The siblings were traveling in a Lamborghini when investigators believe a tyre burst while overtaking, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and burst into flames. Both men died instantly in the blaze, which also sparked a small wildfire nearby.
Diogo Jota (full name Diogo José Teixeira da Silva) had become one of the Premier League’s standout forwards. Across five seasons with Liverpool, he made 182 appearances, netting 65 goals, and helped secure the 2024–25 Premier League title, FA Cup, and two League Cups. He also earned 49 caps with Portugal, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
His brother André Silva, an attacking midfielder, played for Penafiel in Liga Portugal 2, building a promising career before the tragedy.
Diogo had married long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, just eleven days prior. The couple had three children. André, only 25, also left behind family and close friends devastated by the loss. In a statement, Rute shared, “My dream came true” following their wedding just weeks ago.
Liverpool FC described itself as devastated and asked for privacy, while fans laid flowers at Anfield. Liverpool Town Hall lowered its flag to half-mast.
The Portuguese Football Federation called the deaths “irreparable losses” and requested a minute’s silence at upcoming Women’s Euro matches.
Leading figures paid tribute. Cristiano Ronaldo expressed disbelief: “It doesn’t make sense… we were just together… you had just gotten married,” pledging strength for the families involved.
Former clubs spoke out. Wolves said, “memories he created will never be forgotten”; Atlético Madrid, Porto, and others also mourned.
Even across sports, LeBron James, co-owner of Liverpool, shared a heartfelt message: “My prayers go out to his loved ones… YNWA JOTA!”
Jota was renowned not just for his lethal finishing and explosive pace but also his warmth, humility, and strong family values—godfather to Liverpool’s youthful spirit. His brother André, though less celebrated, was equally admired within the Portuguese football community for his dedication and promise.
This tragedy comes just two weeks after Diogo’s wedding on June 22, 2025, and mere days after he lifted football’s greatest trophy alongside club and country. The shock has humbled fans and pundits alike, reminding us how fragile life is—even for global sports stars.
UEFA will observe a minute’s silence at the start of Portugal’s Women’s Euro match against Spain, followed by further moments of respect across Women’s Euro fixtures and national league games this weekend.
Diogo Jota leaves behind a rich legacy of joy, goals, family devotion, and national pride. His sudden passing, alongside his brother, has left a void in football—and in our hearts. May both rest in peace