BREAKING: Liverpool star, Diogo Jota dies in ghastly accident

In a devastating blow to the football world, Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 26, lost their lives in a catastrophic car accident in Zamora, Spain, early Thursday morning.

The Portuguese international, celebrated for his electrifying performances on the pitch and infectious positivity off it, leaves behind a legacy that has left fans, teammates, and the global football community in mourning.

The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time on the A-52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria, when the Lamborghini they were traveling in suffered a suspected tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The car veered off the road, crashed, and burst into flames, according to Spain’s Guardia Civil. Emergency services were alerted immediately, but both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed who was driving at the time of the crash.

Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, was a pivotal figure in the club’s recent successes, including their Premier League title triumph in the 2024/25 season. His 65 goals in 182 appearances cemented his status as a fan favorite at Anfield. Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, contributing to their UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025. His brother André, a professional footballer for FC Penafiel, was also a rising talent in Portuguese football.

The tragedy is compounded by its timing, as Jota had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days earlier on June 22, 2025, in a joyous ceremony in Porto.

The couple, together since 2012, shared three young children—two sons and a baby daughter. Jota’s final social media post, shared hours before the accident, captured the euphoria of his wedding day, with the caption “Yes, forever,” now a heartbreaking echo of a life cut short.

Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing their grief: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.” The Portuguese Football Federation echoed the sentiment, describing Jota as “an extraordinary person, respected by all, with an infectious joy.” Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, called the deaths “a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”

Tributes have flooded in from across the globe. Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore wrote on X, “Shock, sadness, and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota’s death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Devastating.” Fans have called for Liverpool to retire Jota’s No. 20 jersey in honor of his contributions.

The football community is reeling, with a minute of silence planned before Portugal’s Women’s European Championship match against Spain. Jota’s body, along with his brother’s, will be repatriated to Portugal in the coming days, and the family has requested privacy during this time of grief.

Diogo Jota’s legacy transcends his on-field heroics. Known for his humility and community spirit, he inspired countless young fans in Portugal and beyond. As the football world mourns, his memory will endure as a beacon of talent, resilience, and joy.