Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 following a fatal car crash in Spain. His younger brother, André Silva, also passed away in the accident, which occurred in the early hours of 03 July 2025. The tragedy has left the football world reeling and supporters heartbroken.
Motorway Crash Claims Lives of Jota and Brother
The crash took place at approximately 03:00 on the A-52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora province, north-western Spain. According to The Sun, the vehicle carrying the brothers left the road and collided with a barrier before catching fire. Both men passed away at the scene.
Spanish authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved and road conditions were clear at the time. Emergency services responded promptly, but there were no survivors. An investigation by the Guardia Civil is ongoing to determine the cause.
Only 11 Days After Wedding Celebration
The news comes just 11 days after Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, on 22 June 2025. The couple, who shared three children, had recently posted photos from their wedding on social media.
Cardoso described their wedding day in a heartfelt post: 'My dream came true'. Jota's reply, 'I'm the lucky one', is now being remembered as his final public tribute to his family.
This devastating timing has added to the emotional weight of the tragedy, with many mourning not just a footballer, but a husband and father taken far too soon.
A Career Built on Grit, Goals and Glory
Born in Porto in December 1996, Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, known professionally as Diogo Jota, began his career at Paços de Ferreira. After spells with Atlético Madrid and FC Porto (on loan), he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he helped the club gain and retain Premier League status.
In 2020, Jota signed for Liverpool for £41 million ($52 million). Over five seasons, he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals. His contributions helped Liverpool win the Premier League in the 2024-25 season, their first league title in five years.
Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal. He was part of the squads that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.
Football Community Mourns a Fan Favourite
Liverpool FC released a statement saying: 'Diogo was more than just a footballer. He was a family man, a leader, and someone deeply respected by everyone at the club.'
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville described the news as 'heartbreaking', while broadcaster Piers Morgan posted: 'He had just got married. He had just won the league. It's devastating'.
Supporters gathered at Anfield to pay tribute, leaving scarves, notes and flowers in memory of a player they say gave everything for the badge.
Data Highlights Jota's Impact
Jota was among Liverpool's top five goal contributors during his time at the club. His 65 goals in 182 matches gave him a strike rate of 0.36 goals per game, surpassing Roberto Firmino's 0.32 and close to Sadio Mané's 0.41.
In the 2024-25 season alone, he scored 17 goals and provided 8 assists across 33 league appearances. His form was crucial in helping Liverpool secure the league title, reaffirming his status as one of the club's most consistent performers.
The £41 million Liverpool paid for him in 2020 now appears not just justified but undervalued, given his return on investment and emotional impact on fans.
Legacy of a Life Cut Short
Diogo Jota's death, alongside his brother, marks a painful moment in football history. He was admired not only for his technical brilliance but for his humility, professionalism and warmth. At 28, he was at the peak of his career and the prime of his life.
His legacy will live on, not just in statistics or trophies, but in the hearts of teammates, fans and loved ones who knew the man behind the goals.
