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The football world is mourning the untimely death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident in the early hours of July 3, 2025, near Zamora, Spain.
The 28-year-old Portuguese international was traveling with his 26-year-old brother, André Silva, a professional footballer for Penafiel. The BBC reports that, “Spain’s Guardia Civil said the car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking another car. It then set on fire, they added.”
Just two weeks prior, Jota had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, and the couple had three children together. The tragic incident has left the football community and fans worldwide in deep sorrow.
A Stellar Career Cut Short
Diogo Jota’s football journey began at Paços de Ferreira, leading to stints with Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and ultimately Liverpool in 2020. He made 190 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 63 goals, and was instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League title win in the 2024–25 season. His versatility and work ethic made him a key player for both club and country.
Tributes Pour In
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed profound grief, with the President, Pedro Proenca, stating:
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this early morning, in Spain.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, they played their football.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship…
“The loss of Diogo and Andre represent irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything, daily, to honour their legacy.”
Liverpool FC also paid tribute, highlighting their devastation of Diojo’s tragic loss:
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
“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.”
Fans and fellow players have flooded social media with messages of condolence and remembrance.
Legacy of a Champion
Diogo Jota’s legacy extends beyond his football achievements with Liverpool and Portugal. He was known for his humility, dedication, and the joy he brought to the game. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.
As the football community comes to terms with this loss, tributes continue to honor the memory of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva.
