Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car accident in northwestern Spain, Spanish police confirmed on Thursday (July 3). He was 28 years old. The crash also claimed the life of his 26-year-old brother, Andre Felipe.
According to Spanish authorities, the accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora, when the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the motorway and burst into flames. The Civil Guard believes the incident was caused by a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre. Emergency services recovered the bodies and transferred them to the Zamora forensics unit for autopsies.
The fatal crash comes just weeks after Jota married long-time partner Rute Cardoso. Hours before the accident, the Liverpool forward had shared a video from their wedding on Instagram with the caption, “Yes to forever.” The couple welcomed their third child in November 2024.
Tributes poured in from the football world. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca described Jota as “an extraordinary person” and confirmed a minute’s silence would be observed before Portugal’s Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Spain. “We have lost two champions,” he added. “The deaths of Diogo and Andre Silva are irreparable losses for Portuguese football.”
Liverpool FC also issued a brief statement expressing their grief. “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,” the club said, pledging continued support for the bereaved family.
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers and went on to score 65 goals in 182 appearances. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s recent success, helping the club to the Premier League title, as well as FA Cup and League Cup victories. He also earned 49 caps for Portugal, featuring in two UEFA Nations League triumphs.
Jota’s final goal celebration for Liverpool, during a 5-1 win over West Ham in September 2024, saw him tuck the ball under his shirt — a joyful announcement of his wife’s pregnancy. That moment now stands as a poignant memory for fans and teammates mourning the loss of a beloved footballer and familyman
