Spanish police have released a statement confirming the passing of Liverpool and Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, following a fatal car accident in the province of Zamora.
The tragedy follows a season of success for Jota, 28, who won the Premier League with Liverpool and then the Nations League with his country this summer. The father of three also recently tied the knot with his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, last month.
The brothers were driving in a Lamborghini when a tire blew out, forcing the car to leave the road. The vehicle then caught on fire, and both Jota and his brother, Andre, a professional football player in Portugal for FC Penafiel, died.
"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," the Guardia Civil told the BBC.
"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."
Liverpool also released a statement confirming the player's passing. Jota joined the Reds in 2020 after making his name in the Premier League at Wolves. Portugal international Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, helping the Anfield club win the Premier League last season, as well as one FA Cup and two League Cups.
Diogo Jota and his brother Andre, also a professional footballer, both died following a car crash
Diogo Jota and his brother Andre, also a professional footballer, both died following a car crash (Image: FC Porto)
"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the club said. "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."
The Portuguese FA also paid tribute to Jota and his brother. Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, released a statement. 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.
Diogo Jota
Liverpool have posted a tribute to Diogo Jota following his tragic death at the age of 28.
"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.
"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.
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)
"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."
Both brothers spent time on FC Porto's books in their native country. Jota played for the Portuguese giants on loan during the 2016/17 season. His brother Andre was also a Porto player in their 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.