HEARTBREAK FOR LIVERPOOL: DIOGO JOTA AND BROTHER ANDRÉ DIE IN TRAGIC CAR CRASH AT 28 AND 26
Zamora, Spain – July 3, 2025 – The football world is reeling from the devastating loss of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away at the age of 28 in a horrific car accident in Zamora province, Spain. The crash, which also claimed the life of his younger brother André, a 26-year-old professional footballer for Penafiel, occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning on the A-52 highway near Palacios de Sanabria, leaving fans, teammates, and clubs in profound grief.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Marca and local authorities, the vehicle carrying the Jota brothers veered off the road at kilometer 65 of the A-52, a key route connecting northern Portugal to Spain. The car burst into flames upon impact, with eyewitnesses describing a scene of horror as the fire engulfed the vehicle and spread to nearby vegetation. Emergency services, including the Rionegro del Puente Fire Station, Zamora Traffic Police, and a medical emergency unit from Mombuey Health Center, rushed to the scene, but both Diogo and André were pronounced dead on arrival due to the severity of the crash and the intense blaze.
Diogo Jota, born December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, was a beloved figure at Liverpool FC, where he had become a key player since his £41 million transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. Renowned for his clinical finishing, explosive pace, and versatility, Jota scored over 50 goals for the Reds, including a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League against Atalanta in 2020. His contributions helped Liverpool secure the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal. Just 10 days ago, on June 22, 2025, Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in an intimate ceremony filled with joy, sharing the moment on social media with the caption, “Yes to forever.” The couple leaves behind three young children: Denis (born 2021), Duarte (born 2023), and a daughter born in 2024.
André Silva, Jota’s younger brother, was carving out his own career with Penafiel in Portugal’s Liga 2. The brothers’ close bond was well-known, and their tragic loss together has amplified the sorrow felt across the football community. Liverpool FC issued a heartfelt statement, calling the news “heartbreaking” and announcing plans for a moment of silence at Anfield during their next match. The Portuguese Football Federation is also expected to honor the brothers with a national tribute.
Social media has been flooded with tributes, with fans and players alike expressing their shock and sorrow. Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunez and goalkeeper Alisson’s wife, Natalia Becker, were among those who commented on Jota’s wedding post just days ago, now a poignant reminder of a life cut short. Posts on X reflect the global outpouring of grief, with one user, @DaveOCKOP, writing, “Absolutely devastating. RIP.” Another, @Fra_nk001, added, “The Liverpool player passed away at the age of 28. RIP .”
The Spanish police are investigating the cause of the accident, with early reports suggesting the vehicle may have lost control at high speed. No official statement has been released on the exact circumstances, but the tragedy has already left an indelible mark on the football world. Jota’s legacy as a tenacious forward and a devoted family man will endure, but his untimely death, alongside his brother, is a profound loss for Liverpool, Portugal, and fans worldwide.
Sources: Marca, Daily Mail, Sky News, Zamora Provincial Council, KosovaPress, Reuters
