July 3, 2025 — Football fans worldwide are mourning the devastating loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died at the age of 28 following a horrific car crash in northern Spain early Thursday morning. His younger brother, Andre Silva, 26, also perished in the accident.
The brothers were traveling in Jota’s Lamborghini Urus, reportedly valued at £150,000, when a tyre blowout caused the vehicle to veer off the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, close to the Portuguese border. The car rolled several times and burst into flames, igniting nearby vegetation. Emergency responders confirmed the brothers were already deceased when they arrived around 12:35 a.m.
The crash occurred just two weeks after Diogo Jota married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shares three young children. His last Instagram post was a video from their wedding in Porto, where he described himself as “the luckiest man in the world.”
Football World in Shock
Liverpool FC released a statement expressing their heartbreak:
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. We request privacy for the family as they process this unimaginable loss.”
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo led tributes, writing:
“It doesn’t make sense. Just recently, we were together with the national team, and you were newly married. My condolences to your wife and children. You will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre.”
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed the news and described Jota as “an extraordinary person respected by all,” highlighting his nearly 50 appearances for the national team.
Tributes Pour In
Former players and football personalities including Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, David de Gea, and Rio Ferdinand shared their shock and grief, praising Jota’s talent, humility, and devotion to family.
Former clubs including Porto, Wolves, Atlético Madrid, and others also expressed sorrow. Football fans gathered outside Anfield, laying flowers, shirts, and scarves, with many visibly weeping.
Jota’s death comes just weeks after helping Liverpool win the Premier League title. He also recently played for Portugal in their Nations League triumph over Spain.
Details of the Crash
According to Spanish authorities, the crash occurred after the car’s tyre burst while overtaking, causing it to flip and ignite.
“We confirmed the deaths of two individuals at the scene,” the Spanish Civil Guard said.
Jota’s brother Andre Silva, who played professionally for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division, also died in the crash.
Heartbreaking Family Tragedy
Diogo Jota, born Diogo Silva, changed his surname to stand out in football. His family — wife Rute and their three children — are now mourning the irreplaceable loss.
Jota and Rute had been together since 2012 and married on June 22, 2025. They frequently shared family photos on social media, and Jota had described his wedding day as “unforgettable.”
Nationwide Mourning
Portuguese authorities announced a minute of silence at all football events, while politicians and fans called for official national mourning.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told Parliament:
“The whole House is heartbroken by this news. We send our deepest sympathies to his family.”
A Lasting Legacy
Diogo Jota’s sudden passing leaves behind a legacy as one of Portugal’s brightest stars and a beloved member of Liverpool’s squad. Tributes continue to pour in across the sporting world as the football community grapples with this tragic loss.
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