Diogo Jota and Brother André Die in Spain Car Crash Less Than Two Weeks After Wedding

Diogo Jota Dies in Car Crash Aged 28, Days After Wedding

Liverpool and Portugal footballer Diogo Jota has died in a car accident at the age of 28, along with his younger brother André Silva. The fatal crash took place in the early hours of Thursday morning near Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora, Spain.

Spanish authorities reported that the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini when a tyre blew out while overtaking another vehicle. The car left the road and burst into flames, killing both occupants. The incident occurred at approximately 00:30 local time.

The tragedy comes just ten days after Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three young children. The couple celebrated their wedding on 22 June in Porto, with Jota posting about the occasion days later, writing: 'I'm the lucky one.'

A Rising Star Silenced

Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2016. His breakthrough came during a loan spell at FC Porto, where his brother André was also a youth player. He later joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017 and transferred to Liverpool in 2020.

During his time at Anfield, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances and played a pivotal role in the club's recent successes, including Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup victories. For Portugal, he earned nearly 50 caps and was instrumental in the team's Nations League wins in 2019 and 2025.

His brother, André Silva, 26, played for Portuguese second-tier side FC Penafiel, where he made 59 league appearances since joining in 2023.

Tributes from Football and Beyond

Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing their heartbreak: 'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone impacted by this unimaginable loss.'

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) described the brothers as 'two champions,' praising Jota as 'an extraordinary person, respected by teammates and opponents alike.'

Portugal's Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, called the incident 'unexpected and tragic,' offering condolences to the family and recognising Jota as 'an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name.'

UEFA and Clubs Mourn Together

UEFA confirmed that a minute's silence will be held before Portugal's Women's European Championship match against Spain. FC Porto and Penafiel, the brothers' former clubs, also issued statements mourning their deaths.

As tributes continue to flood in from fans and teammates, the footballing world remembers Jota not just for his skill and achievements, but for his joy, leadership, and devotion to family.

The legacy of Diogo Jota and André Silva will be remembered by a grieving nation and the global football community.