Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, were killed in a car crash early Thursday morning near Zamora, Spain. The tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the football world, cutting short the lives of two professional athletes just weeks after Jota’s wedding. Authorities say the vehicle, a Lamborghini, veered off the road and caught fire, believed to be caused by a tire blowout. The devastating loss has prompted tributes from teammates, clubs, and fans worldwide.
What to Know:
- The crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. on a remote stretch of highway near Cernadilla, Spain.
- The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that both men died at the scene; no other vehicles were involved.
- The car caught fire, and flames spread to nearby vegetation before firefighters arrived.
- Jota, 28, had just won the Premier League with Liverpool and was capped 49 times for Portugal.
- Silva, 25, played for FC Penafiel, a second-tier Portuguese club.
- Jota married longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22; they have three children.
- Tributes poured in from Liverpool FC, Jurgen Klopp, Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and the Portuguese Football Federation.
- A minute of silence will be observed at Euro 2025 matches in their honor.
- Fans gathered at Anfield, laying flowers and scarves in remembrance.
- No public memorial details announced yet, but UEFA and clubs are planning tributes.
Liverpool stars past and present respond to the loss of Diogo Jota
Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children. Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA pic.twitter.com/2OeXY53jf1
— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) July 3, 2025
Prince William and Princess Catherine pay tribute
As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him @LFC @Wolves. W
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 3, 2025
Jurgen Klopp posts emotional tribute
Jurgen Klopp has posted an emotional tribute, saying he is “heartbroken” at the loss of the player he brought to Liverpool and with whom he formed a strong bond:
Scenes of mourning at Anfield
The Liverpool flag flies at half-mast at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Liverpool player Diogo Jota, Thursday July 3, 2025.
Peter Byrne/PA via AP
Tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28. Picture date: Thursday July 3, 2025.
PA via AP
People gather to leave tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28. Picture date: Thursday July 3, 2025.
PA via AP
Tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28. Picture date: Thursday July 3, 2025.
PA via AP
Tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28. Picture date: Thursday July 3, 2025.
PA via AP
Liverpool fans after laying tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28.
PA via AP
Tributes are left at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Liverpool player Diogo Jota, Thursday July 3, 2025.
Peter Byrne/PA via AP
People lay flowers as tributes in memory of Liverpool player Diogo Jota, at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, Thursday July 3, 2025.
Peter Byrne/PA via AP
The crash site in Spain
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred just after midnight local time. Forensic teams are currently examining the bodies of the victims, while firefighters were dispatched to combat the blaze that spread to nearby vegetation.
It remains unclear who was driving. Police are considering the possibility that the accident was caused by a blown tire during an attempt to overtake another vehicle.
The crash took place on a remote stretch of highway, roughly an hour west of Zamora, as the car was heading eastward.
Footage released by Spanish media shows tire marks leading off the road, toward torn guardrails, with the burnt-out car several meters ahead. Nearby vegetation appeared scorched by the spreading fire.
The site of the car accident in which Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother died in the north-western city of Zamora, Spain, Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Emilio Fraile/AP
The site of the car accident in which Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother died in the north-western city of Zamora, Spain, Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Emilio Fraile/AP
The site of the car accident in which Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother died in the north-western city of Zamora, Spain, Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Emilio Fraile/AP
LeBron James: ‘You’ll never walk alone’
LeBron James, who is the part-owner of Fenway Sports Group, the holding company that owns Liverpool, has paid tribute to Jota on X:
My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/B3tYVJJxkA
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 3, 2025
Everton pays tribute to Jota
Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/JD5bT96fQj
— Everton (@Everton) July 3, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘It doesn’t make sense’
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s Portugal teammate, has written on X that his death “doesn’t make sense”:
It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, and you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish you all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We’ll all miss you.
Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025
File photo of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrating with his teammate Diogo Jota after he scored his side’s second goal during the Euro 2020 group B qualifying soccer match between Luxembourg and Portugal at the…
Francisco Seco/AP
Manchester City: ‘Everyone is shocked and saddened’
Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota.
We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Diogo. pic.twitter.com/gDZChUlRw0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 3, 2025
Fans begin laying flowers and tributes at Anfield
Liverpool fans have begun to gather at Anfield to lay flowers and tributes to Jota:
Liverpool fans pay tribute to Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28.
PA via AP
Tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28. The Portugal forward died along with his younger brother Andre Silva in the accident in…
PA via AP
Tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28. Picture date: Thursday July 3, 2025.
PA via AP
Liverpool FC has confirmed the passing of Diogo Jota (1996–2025) in an announcement on the club’s official website. The forward is remembered for his passion, talent and impact at Anfield.
Liverpool FC
Portugal PM: ‘It’s a sad day for football’
Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, has released a statement on the death of Diogo Jota and his brother and sent his “deepest condolences” to the family:
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic,” he wrote.
“It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports,” he added.
A notícia da morte de Diogo Jota, um atleta que muito honrou o nome de Portugal, e do seu irmão é inesperada e trágica. Deixo aos familiares as mais sentidas condolências. É um dia triste para o futebol e para o desporto nacional e internacional.
— Luís Montenegro (@LMontenegro_PT) July 3, 2025
Diogo Jota for Liverpool: in pictures
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, May 4, 2025.
AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota reacts after missing a chance to score during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.
AP Photo/Darren Staples, File
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, left, celebrates with Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez after scoring his side’s second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Fulham, at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 14,…
AP Photo/Jon Super, File
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota scores his side’s first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.
AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File
Jota joined Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £41 million.
Over his five seasons at Liverpool, Jota made 182 appearances, scoring 65 goals. His performances were instrumental in Liverpool’s domestic successes, including winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and playing a key role in their UEFA Nations League victories.
Clubs and UEFA pay tribute
Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and UEFA have paid tribute to Jota:
Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all at Liverpool Football Club at this incredibly difficult time. pic.twitter.com/JavslTjK7l
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 3, 2025
On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.
Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… pic.twitter.com/kYCJiZMcX0
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025
The thoughts of everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion are with the friends and family of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva following the heartbreaking news of their passing. pic.twitter.com/zzW91iB8kW
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 3, 2025
Liverpool FC release statement
The club said they were devastated by the loss of Diogo Jota:
Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
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.
Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025
Diogo Jota celebrated Liverpool’s Premier League win in May
Jota won the Premier League – his third major trophy with Liverpool in May.
Liverpool’s Portuguese striker Diogo Jota lifts the Premier League trophy at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 25,…
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Stars express shock at tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother
Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports presenter, wrote on X:
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 💔 pic.twitter.com/BSYBL5yVre— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 3, 2025
Gary Neville wrote on X: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family 💔”
Spanish Guardia Civil statement
Spanish police have issued their first statement on the tragic crash to the BBC:
“The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.
“It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.
“The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”
Portugal pays tribute to the brothers: ‘We have lost two champions’
The Portugal football federation paid tribute on X. Jota won the UEFA Nations League last month, beating Spain in the final.
Diogo Jota of Portugal during the UEFA Nations League final Portugal v. Spain at the Munich Football Arena on June 8, 2025 in Munich, Germany.
MAURICE VAN STEEN Photo by ANP via Getty Images
The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, this morning in Spain.
Much more than a fantastic player, who played almost 50 times for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played respectively.
The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence this Thursday, before our team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.
FC Porto pays tribute
Writing on X, FC Porto, where Jota played while on loan from Athletico Madrid in 2016-17, paid tribute:
Futebol Clube do Porto is in mourning.
It is with shock and deep regret that we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our youth player.
May they rest in peace.
Diogo Jota got married on June 22
The final post on Jota’s account on the X social media platform showed his wedding day joy just two weeks before his sudden death in a car crash.
Jota married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22.
The pair had three young children together.
“Yes, forever,” Jota wrote in the post, along with pictures from the ceremony.
Read in full: Diogo Jota’s Tragic Last Social Media Post Shared Wedding Joy
