When Liverpool's star forward player Diogo Jota needed to return to the UK, he faced an unusual challenge: doctors had advised against flying after his lung surgery. This meant a long drive was his only option.
Jota's journey back was a testament to his determination and the careful medical guidance that informed his recovery. Jota was due to report back for pre-season training next week for what would have been his sixth season at Liverpool. Instead, the football world mourns the loss of a player who, at just 28, had already achieved so much and had so much more to give.
A Shocking Loss for Football
The football world is in deep sorrow following the tragic deaths of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a car crash in Spain.
Jota (28) and André Silva (26) tragically lost their lives in a crash that occurred in Zamora, near Spain's northwestern border with Portugal, shortly after midnight on Thursday. The Liverpool and Portugal star, along with his brother, a player for Portuguese second-tier side Penafiel, were travelling in a Lamborghini when the incident took place.
The Tragic Accident Unfolds
It is thought that a tyre may have burst while the supercar was overtaking, causing it to leave the road, crash, and then ignite. It was not immediately apparent who was at the wheel. Footage from the accident location shows the burnt remains of the car by the roadside. Firefighters, paramedics, and police quickly arrived at the scene, but sadly, they were unable to save anyone.
The tragic event occurred just 11 days after Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple, who had been together since 2012, shared three children. The Liverpool star had proposed to Ms Cardoso in July 2022, in a picturesque lakeside setting.
A Recent Celebration Turned to Sorrow
Just days ago, Jota and Ms Cardoso shared photos from their church wedding ceremony, held on 22 June, in a joint Instagram post. Alongside the pictures, Ms Cardoso wrote, 'Sim, para sempre (Yes, forever).'
On Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, both 28, shared video footage from their wedding, captioned: 'A day we will never forget.' Meanwhile, Portuguese reports indicate that Diogo's brother also got married last week.
The Reason Behind the Road Journey
Reports on Thursday indicated that Jota was travelling to Santander to take a ferry to the UK, having been advised against flying after undergoing lung surgery.
CNN Portugal stated that medical professionals had counselled the Liverpool player to avoid air travel after his operation.
The channel's sports editor, Rui Laura, stated live on air: 'The surgery he had was lung surgery, and he had been advised against flying following this. He was on his way to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to cross the ferry and reach the UK that way and carry on with the car once he reached Britain.''
'He was on his way to Liverpool with his brother.' Diogo Jota was instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League victory last season, and also contributed to their FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.
He joined Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, netting 65 goals across 182 appearances for the club in all competitions. He also played 49 times for Portugal, securing the UEFA Nations League title on two occasions.
A Stellar Career Cut Short
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for an initial fee of £41 million. During his time at Anfield, he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals, becoming a crucial player in Liverpool's attacking lineup.
His trophy cabinet with Liverpool included:
- Premier League (2025)
- FA Cup (2022)
- League Cup (2022)
The Portuguese international also earned 49 caps for his country, winning the UEFA Nations League twice. He was a regular in Portugal's squad and had recently been selected for the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals.
Football World in Mourning
Tributes have poured in from across the football community. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota in 2020, posted on social media: 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.'
Fans have begun leaving flowers and scarves at Anfield's gates, while former teammate Jamie Carragher wrote: 'Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.'
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed the nation's grief: 'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.'
More Than a Footballer
Beyond his footballing achievements, Jota was known for his passion for gaming and esports. He was ranked world No. 1 in FIFA 21's Champions Leaderboard and owned his own esports team, Luna Galaxy. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he won a Premier League invitational FIFA tournament, defeating future teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final.
Born in Porto on December 4, 1996, Jota began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid and then Wolves on loan. His performances in England earned him the move to Liverpool, where he became a fan favorite for his work rate, clinical finishing, and humble personality.
A Brother's Journey
André Silva, who died alongside Jota, was also a professional footballer, playing for Portuguese second-tier side FC Penafiel. The Portuguese Football Federation mourned both losses, stating: 'We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.'
UEFA announced that a minute's silence would be observed at all Thursday and Friday matches at the Women's Euros in Switzerland.
He leaves behind his wife Rute and their three children, as well as a legacy as one of Portugal's finest forwards and a beloved figure at one of England's most storied clubs.
Liverpool FC released a statement expressing their devastation at the ''tragic passing of Diogo Jota.''
It read: The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, André.
'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.'
The club also honoured Jota on social media, sharing a picture of the star alongside the message: 'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. In a separate statement, the Portuguese Football Federation expressed its profound sadness over the deaths of the footballing brothers.'
Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025
Porto FC, where both men had played, announced on X: ''Porto Football Club is in mourning.'' It wrote, 'It's with shock and profound grief that we send our more sincere condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.'
O Futebol Clube do Porto está de luto.
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025
É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação.
Descansem em paz.#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/BXlR8v7y7Z
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, described the death of Diogo Jota as ''absolutely heartbreaking'' during her visit to Anfield to pay respects. 'It is absolutely heartbreaking, and just shows how life events can change really quickly.'
"The whole world is devastated and shocked"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 3, 2025
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner lays flowers at Anfield in memory of Diogo Jota. pic.twitter.com/NNHdMnG009
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portugal teammate of Jota's, expressed shock and sorrow: 'It doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married.'
'My condolences to your family, to your wife and to your children. I wish them all the strength in the world. I know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you,' Ronaldo added.
