Football has lost one of its brightest lights. Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s Portuguese forward, has tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain. He was only 28 years old.
The news has left the football world in deep shock. According to reports from Spain (via Marca), the accident happened in the early hours of Thursday morning in Zamora, a province in the northwest of the country.
Jota was travelling with his younger brother, André, also a footballer, when their vehicle left the road and caught fire. Both were killed at the scene.
Witnesses said the car suddenly veered off and burst into flames. Emergency services rushed to the spot, but it was already too late. Spanish media outlets have reported that a tire blowout may have caused the crash.
Jota had only recently celebrated a joyful moment in his personal life. On June 22, he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple had three children together, including a daughter born earlier this year. Just days after that happy event, heartbreak has struck their family.
Since joining Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, Jota had become a key figure at Anfield. He made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists.
Last season, he helped Liverpool lift the Premier League title. He also won the FA Cup and the League Cup twice during his time with the club.
Jota started his professional career at Paços Ferreira before earning moves to Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Wolves.
Though he never made an official appearance for Atlético, he grew into a top forward during his years in England.
Liverpool, the Portuguese national team, and fans around the world are mourning the sudden loss. A player who brought so much joy on the pitch is gone far too soon.