The soccer world is mourning the sudden loss of one of its brightest talents taken far too soon. Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva tragically died in a car accident in northwestern Spain during the early hours of Thursday, July 3.
A car crash killed the 28-year-old Portuguese international and his 26-year-old brother, also a professional footballer. Their vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames in the Spanish province of Zamora, according to People.
Spanish Civil Guard officials told The Associated Press that they found the brothers dead after their car went off the road. The automobile caught fire around 12:30 a.m. local time. Evidence at the crash scene suggests Jota’s Lamborghini suffered a burst tire while overtaking another vehicle. Local police confirmed there were no other vehicles involved in the incident.
The devastating news has sent shockwaves through the soccer community. It comes just days after Jota celebrated his wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22. The couple, who had been together for ten years, shared three children. Hours before the fatal crash, Jota had posted a video from their wedding ceremony on Instagram, captioned: “A day we will never forget 🤍.”
Cardoso had also shared photos from their special day on June 28, writing in Portuguese: “June 22, 2025 • Yes to forever ♾️.”
Heartfelt Tributes from Fellow Players
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s teammate on the Portuguese national team, expressed his disbelief and grief in a touching Instagram tribute. “Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married,” the 40-year-old superstar wrote. “To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre We will all miss you.”
The sentiment was echoed by Ronaldo’s additional comment: “It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you’d only just got married.”
Liverpool Football Club released an official statement expressing their devastation over the loss. “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,” the statement read, according to People.
The club requested privacy for the families during this difficult time, adding: “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.”
Jota’s Remarkable Career and Legacy
Jota’s soccer journey began in his hometown of Porto, before he developed his skills at Pacos de Ferreira. He joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. Jota became part of the Portuguese contingent that helped the club achieve promotion to the Premier League and secure back-to-back seventh-place finishes.
Liverpool acquired Jota’s services in September 2020 for a fee of $54 million, according to People. The investment proved worthwhile as he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances across all competitions for the Merseyside club. His impact was immediate, finding the net just eight minutes into his Premier League debut against Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp, who signed Jota during his tenure as Liverpool manager, had praised the forward’s qualities. “From the first moment I saw him at Wolves, I was excited about his potential,” Klopp said, according to The Independent. The German later described him as an “exceptional player, exceptional boy… a perfect signing.”
Jota’s versatility allowed him to play both as a left winger and striker. His ability to “ghost into space” made him a constant threat to defenders. Despite standing just 5’9″, he was excellent in the air and unusually effective with both feet, scoring almost equally with his left and favored right foot.
The Portuguese international helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title last season, notably scoring the crucial derby winner against Everton. He also contributed to the club’s FA Cup triumph in 2022 and League Cup victories in 2022 and 2024. His final goal for Liverpool proved to be that memorable Merseyside derby winner, cementing his legacy with an important contribution.
On the international stage, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and scored 14 goals for his country. He was instrumental in Portugal’s recent Nations League success, winning the tournament twice during his international career.
Portuguese Football Federation President Dr. Pedro Proença honored both brothers in an official statement. Proença called their deaths “an irreparable loss for Portuguese football.” He described Jota as “much more than a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for the National A Team” and “an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Jota first made his mark in English football, expressed their grief: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves,” according to Reuters.
UEFA announced that all Women’s European Championship matches on Thursday and Friday would observe a minute’s silence in honor of both brothers. Fans have begun laying flowers at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium as a tribute to their beloved player.
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Soccer Star Passes Away in Car Crash & Tributes Pour In