The Liverpool forward has died at the age of 28 after a car accident in Spain
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, wife and children
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota pictured with his wife and children
(Image: Rutecfcardoso14 Instagram)
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident. The 28-year-old is said to have been travelling with his brother, Andre Silva, in the Zamora region of Sanabria when the incident occurred.
According to the Zamora provincial council, firefighters attended the scene on the A52, known as the Palacios de Sanabria, after the vehicle caught fire. Local reports have claimed the accident was the result of a blown-out tyre.
The Liverpool forward signed for Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £41m. The 28-year-old began his career in his native Portugal, he spent time at Atletico Madrid, in Spain, before coming to England.
Jota played an important role throughout his five years with the Reds, including scoring six times in Liverpool's recent Premier League-winning season. In total, Jota has found the net 65 times in 182 appearances.
He got married just two weeks ago to long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso. On Instagram Jota shared a video of him and wife Rute on their special wedding day. He wrote: "A day we will never forget" and Rute also shared moments from the wedding day.
Diogo Jota with his wife Rute Cardoso and two of their children
Diogo Jota with his wife Rute Cardoso and two of their children
(Image: Rute Cardoso/Instagram)
She said: "My dream come true", as Jota replied "I'm the lucky one", with a heart-eyed emoji. A picture of the two was posted by Rute of the couple standing in the church with their arms linked and smiling at the camera.
The couple have three children together. They have a son, and two daughters. One daughter was born in 2023. The couple announced they were expecting their third child in November 2024, and the baby was born in December 2024.
The pregnancy was announced when Jota put the ball under his shirt while celebrating a disallowed goal during a match in Euro 2024. Rute later officially announced the special news on her Instagram account.
Liverpool FC said in a statement on the club website 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. 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."
Tributes have flooded in for the footballer. Gary Neville said: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family."
Sharing a black and white photo of Jota to Instagram, Jamie Carragher wrote: "Absolutely heartbroken by the sad news about Diogo Jota", alongside a heartbreak emoji.
He added: "Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids."
Robbie Fowler shared a photo of Jota celebrating one of the many goals he scored in a Red shirt. Fowler said: "RIP Diogo. Heartbreaking news, thoughts and prayers with all his family . Absolutely devastated for his wife and 3 beautiful children."
Everton FC has issued a statement on their official website to send their thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Diogo Jota. The statement reads: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva following a road traffic accident in Spain.
"Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this desperately sad time."