Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has confirmed that Liverpool star Diogo Jota's brother, Andre Silva, also passed away following a fatal car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora.
The tragic news of Reds forward Jota's passing comes after another successful campaign at Anfield, which saw Arne Slot's men win the Premier League. He also helped his country lift the Nations League this summer.
The father of three also tied the knot with long-term partner Rute Cardoso last month, sharing loving family photos from the ceremony on Instagram.
Brother Andre was a professional football player for the Portuguese side FC Penafiel, and he recently completed a campaign in which they finished 11th in the LigaPro. According to the BBC, the car was a Lamborghini and left the road due to a tire blowout while overtaking. The vehicle caught on fire, and the two occupants, Jota and Andre, were killed.
Proenca said: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva this morning in Spain.
"Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
Andre Silva of FC Penafiel in action during the Liga Portugal 2 match against CD Mafra
Andre Silva of FC Penafiel in action during the Liga Portugal 2 match against CD Mafra (Image: Getty)
"On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
"The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women's European Championship.
"Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy."
New signing Diogo Jota of Liverpool at Anfield on September 19, 2020 in Liverpool, England.
Diogo Jota after signing for Liverpool on September 19, 2020. (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Portuguese giants FC Porto has also released a statement. Both Jota and brother Andre were both on the books at Porto at some point in their careers.
Jota spent a season on loan at the club from Atletico Madrid in the 2016/17 season, while brother Andre was a football player in Porto's youth ranks.
"FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace," Porto said on X.