In a devastating turn of events that has shaken the global football community, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has tragically died in a fatal car accident in Spain.
The 28-year-old Portuguese international, known for his clinical finishing, relentless work ethic, and sharp intelligence on the pitch, reportedly passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, alongside his brother, André Silva.
The accident occurred on the A-52 motorway near the municipality of Cernadilla, in Zamora province, and has left the footballing world in profound grief.
Diogo Jota, who had just recently won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in June and was preparing for the upcoming 2025–26 Premier League campaign with Liverpool, was traveling with his brother when the vehicle they were in veered off the road and burst into flames.
Emergency response teams who arrived at the scene confirmed that both men died on impact. Spanish and Portuguese media, including Marca, El País, and TVE, have confirmed the identities of the victims, though DNA verification and formal autopsy procedures are still ongoing.
Born in Porto in December 1996, Diogo Jota began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira before rising to prominence with FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and eventually Liverpool, where he signed in 2020 for around £41 million.
In his five years at Anfield, Jota played a key role in Liverpool’s attack, forming a lethal trio with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez, and scoring over 60 goals in all competitions. He helped the club win an FA Cup, two League Cups, and most recently, the 2024–25 Premier League title.
Beyond the statistics, Diogo Jota was known for his quiet humility and determination. His commitment to family was evident as just ten days ago, on June 22, 2025, he married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in a private ceremony in Portugal.
Together, they had three children. In what would now be a heartbreaking farewell, Jota had captioned his wedding photos with the words: “A day we’ll never forget. June 22, 2025. Yes, forever.”
His brother André Silva, also a professional footballer, was 26 and played for Penafiel in the Portuguese second division. The two brothers were reportedly vacationing briefly in Spain before returning for pre-season preparations.
Local reports indicate that a high-speed tire failure may have caused the crash. An official report from Spanish traffic authorities is expected within the coming days.
The Portuguese Football Federation has declared a day of mourning and released an emotional statement calling the loss of the two brothers “completely devastating.” UEFA has confirmed that a minute of silence will be observed before all European matches this week. Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers have both issued heartfelt tributes, describing Diogo Jota as a beloved teammate, a fierce competitor, and a deeply admired figure among fans and peers.
On social media, tributes have poured in from across the football world. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Jurgen Klopp, and Virgil van Dijk have all expressed shock and heartbreak. Thousands of fans gathered outside Anfield this morning to lay flowers, jerseys, and written messages in honour of a player many believed was just entering the prime of his career.
EA Sports, in which Diogo Jota was famously ranked as the world’s top FIFA player, has also released a tribute and confirmed a black armband patch for all players in its next game update.
Final Thoughts
In the coming days, tributes and memorials are expected to take place across England and Portugal. Liverpool FC has confirmed it will hold a memorial event at Anfield later this week, and players will wear black armbands in pre-season matches. Portugal’s Football Federation is reportedly coordinating with the Diogo Jota family to organize a state-recognized funeral service, potentially in his hometown of Porto.
Additionally, UEFA is considering dedicating this summer’s upcoming Super Cup to Jota’s memory. Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia, originally scheduled to kick off on July 10, is now under review, with several players and club staff requesting time to grieve.
Meanwhile, Portuguese authorities in coordination with Spanish forensic teams are expected to complete identification procedures by the weekend, after which funeral arrangements will be finalized. The global football community will continue to mourn a player whose light was extinguished far too soon, but whose memory will never fade.
Diogo Jota is survived by his wife, three children, and grieving fans around the world. His legacy lives on, in the red of Anfield, in the green of Portugal, and in the hearts of all who saw him play.
