Liverpool and Portuguese football communities are mourning the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, at the age of 28. The beloved Liverpool forward was travelling with his younger brother, 25-year-old André Silva – also a professional footballer – when their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking on the A-52 highway. The vehicle veered off the road and erupted in flames, killing both brothers at the scene in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The devastating crash occurred just 11 days after Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in a beautiful ceremony shared on his social media. The couple, who had three children together, were seen smiling and celebrating in photos that now serve as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change:
Jota leaves behind an illustrious legacy, having scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, where he helped the club win the FA Cup, League Cup, and Premier League title. He was also a key player for Portugal, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals for his country.
Tributes have poured in from Liverpool FC, Wolves, Porto, UEFA, and the Portuguese Football Federation, all describing Jota as not only a phenomenal athlete but also a kind-hearted and joyful presence in the sport. European matches this week will observe a minute's silence in his honour.
