Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, have died following a car accident in Spain
Andre Silva in action for FC Penafiel against CD Mafra in March
Andre Silva in action for FC Penafiel against CD Mafra in March(Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Diogo Jota and his brother, André Filipe Teixeira da Silva, have died in a car accident in Spain. The duo were travelling through the Zamora region of Sanabria when the incident occurred at the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to the Zamora provincial council, the emergency services were called to the scene at the A52, known as the Palacios de Sanabria, shortly after 1am. It's said that firefighters arrived after the vehicle had caught fire.
Local reports have claimed that the accident occurred due to a blown-out tyre. An official statement from the Guardia Civil said: "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 blow out while overtaking.
"It was in the early hours, 12:30am, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed."
So, with that being said, the ECHO has rounded up everything you need to know about André, who sadly passed alongside the Liverpool forward.
Who was André Silva?
Not to be confused with the RB Leipzig forward, André Filipe Teixeira da Silva was also a professional athlete. Jota's brother was an attacking midfielder for Penafiel in the second tier of Portuguese football.
Like the Liverpool forward, André first made a name for himself in his hometown, playing for Gondomar SC, before joining the Porto academy. He enjoyed spells at a few youth setups, including Paços de Ferreira, Famalicão and Boavista, before joining Gondomar.
André eventually joined Penafiel in 2023, where he quickly became a regular. He featured 62 times across all competitions for the club, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.
What was relationship like with brother
The two brothers were very close, supporting each other both on and off the field. They regularly went on holiday together, trained during the off-season and celebrated personal achievements.
Last month, André was at Diogo's wedding in the Sanabria area. The Portugal international married long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. They have three children.
What has been said about André and Jota?
The president of the Portuguese football federation honoured André and Jota in a heartbreaking statement. Pedro Proença said: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all 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.
"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.
Diogo Jota during the match against Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge on May 04, 2025
Diogo Jota during the match against Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2025
"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 loss of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honour their legacy."
An official statement from Liverpool reads: "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."
An official statement from Porto on X, formerly known as Twitter, reads: "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."
Tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28
Tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28
An official statement from Paços de Ferreira reads: "It was with deep pain and consternation that Futebol Clube de Paços de Ferreira learned of the death of Diogo Jota and André Silva.
"Diogo and André both played for Mata Real, where they left their mark. They were two extraordinary people who stood out for their humility, responsibility and immense dedication to the club they played for. Both finished their training at the club, and it was also at FC Paços de Ferreira that Diogo began to chart his path as a senior athlete.
"Diogo Jota has become a reference for this club. An athlete with a champion's attitude who has reached the highest levels of professional football. Since his arrival, he has been an example for the many athletes we welcome into our training camp every year and who dream of one day winning on the world's biggest stages.
"He is also an example for all the Pacenses of the spirit, dedication and soul that characterise this club. He is one of us, and even from a distance he never let the bond that was created break. This was his club, he never hid it.
The Liverpool flag flies at half-mast at Anfield Stadium
The Liverpool flag flies at half-mast at Anfield Stadium
"And his name is part of our history. It always will be. And we will do our best to perpetuate your history, your legacy, so that the young people of this club will continue to want to wear a jersey with your name on the back.
"To the family of Diogo Jota and André Silva, to their friends and to all who had the pleasure of meeting them, Futebol Clube de Paços de Ferreira sends its deepest condolences. Rest in peace."