Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 after a car accident in Spain, the Premier League club has confirmed
11:00, 03 Jul 2025Updated 11:00, 03 Jul 2025
Diogo Jota of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage on April 6, 2025 in London, England.
Diogo Jota's family have been offered Liverpool FC's 'full support' after his shock death(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Liverpool FC have offered their full support to Diogo Jota's family following the devastating loss of the talented forward, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain.
The 28-year-old Portuguese striker and his brother, André Silva, were killed in the early hours of Thursday morning when their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blow-out, before veering off the road and bursting into flames on the A-52 highway in northwestern Spain.
Emergency services confirmed two fatalities at the scene. Jota, a father to three young children, had recently tied the knot with his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, less than two weeks ago.
Tributes have been pouring in from the football community, including the Portuguese Football Federation and his former club, FC Porto. Premier League giants Liverpool have now expressed their shock at the tragic loss.
In an official statement, they said: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
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Diogo Jota with his wife and children.
Diogo Jota had only recently been married(Image: Instagram/@diogoj_18)
"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."
Jota signed for Liverpool from fellow Premier League side Wolves in a £41million transfer in 2020. During his time with the Reds, he made nearly 200 appearances, scoring 65 goals and claiming the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup titles.
Jota contributed six goals to the club's most recent title-winning campaign and played a key role in Portugal's Nations League victory last month.
The Portuguese Football Federation has also paid tribute to Jota and his sibling. A statement read: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
Diogo Jota of Liverpool after being named Champions of the Premier League at the end of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
The Portuguese forward was part of bringing much success to the city of Liverpool(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"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 André 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 represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to, daily, honour their legacy."
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on X: "The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
"I extend my deepest condolences to the family. It's a sad day for football and for national and international sport."
Diogo Jota of Portugal poses for a photograph with the UEFA Nations League trophy after his team's victory in the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany.
Diogo Jota was also a key part of the national team(Image: Maja Hitij - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Diogo Jota's former club, FC Porto, also paid tribute, as they said: "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 André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace."
A UEFA spokesperson said: "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."
Spanish police released a statement detailing the incident, which reads: "A road accident occurred at 12.30am this morning at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora.
"A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed.
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"Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe."