Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has died in a devastating car crash at the age of 28. The accident, which also claimed the life of his younger brother, André Silva, occurred early Thursday morning in Spain’s Zamora province.
Local authorities confirmed that the crash took place around 12:30 AM local time when the Lamborghini the two were travelling in suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle.
The car veered off the road and caught fire, leaving no chance for survival. André Silva, 26, was also a professional footballer, playing for Portuguese second-division side Penafiel.
The news has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Just weeks earlier, on June 22, Jota had celebrated his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three young children. The couple’s joyful ceremony was shared with fans through heartfelt photos on social media.
Jota’s sudden passing marks a tragic end to a career that had reached remarkable heights. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign last season and recently helped Portugal lift the UEFA Nations League trophy with a win over Spain in June.
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), expressed the nation’s deep grief, stating, “Much more than an amazing player with nearly 50 international appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community.”
Clubs, teammates, and fans around the globe are mourning the loss of a talented athlete and beloved individual whose legacy will be remembered both on and off the pitch.
Tributes have poured in across social media as the football world grapples with the sudden loss of one of its brightest stars.
