Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident in northwestern Spain early Thursday morning. The 28-year-old Portuguese international was traveling with his 25-year-old brother when their vehicle left the road and caught fire, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred at 12:30 AM local time on the A-52 carriageway in Zamora province, approximately 300 kilometers from Jota\'s hometown of Porto. The brothers were reportedly returning from Jota\'s recent wedding celebration with wife Rute Cardoso.
Liverpool FC Statement
\"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,\" the club announced Thursday. \"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.\"
Jota leaves behind three young children and his wife. He had recently married Cardoso in Porto just two weeks before the accident.
Career Highlights
The Portuguese forward joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 for £45 million. He made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals and helping the team win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Jota was also a Portugal international, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals for his country. He won the UEFA Nations League twice with Portugal in 2019 and 2025.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca described Jota as \"an extraordinary person, respected by all his team-mates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference point in his own community.\"
UEFA confirmed moments of silence will be observed at all matches during the Women\'s European Championship, including Portugal\'s opening game against Spain.
