The world of football is in a state of shock as Liverpool and Portugal fans mourn the 'devastating' loss of one of the sport's brightest stars – Diogo Jota – just 11 days after his wedding
12:31, 03 Jul 2025
Diogo Jota (right) pictured with his brother André Silva and wife, Rute Cardoso
Diogo Jota (right) pictured with his brother André Silva and wife, Rute Cardoso(Image: Diogo Jota Instagram)
Diogo Jota and his brother have tragically died after the Liverpool ace's Lamborghini flew off a road in northern Spain.
The Portuguese forward, 28, and his 26-year-old brother Andre Silva, who is also a footballer, were involved in a collision in Zamora on Thursday morning. Heartbreakingly, Jota had celebrated his marriage to his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso just two weeks earlier, who he shares three children with.
The Lamborghini the brothers were travelling in "left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking" at 12.30am today. Spanish police said: "The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed."
Jota has three kids with his wife Rute
Jota has three kids with his wife Rute(Image: PA)
Liverpool fans and the footballing world are in shock and mourning the loss of such a talented player. The Reds legend Jamie Carragher said: "Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids."
What happened
A statement from the Guardia Civil (Spainish police) described the circumstances in which the brothers passed. The BBC were told verbally: "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.
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"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."
When asked to confirm the identities of those involved in the accident, the Guardia Civil said: "The player and his brother, Andre Silva."
Liverpool FC are in mourning
Liverpool FC are in mourning(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Tributes
As the footballing world deals with the loss of one of its brightest stars, tributes from legends of the game have been pouring in.
Jamie Carragher wrote on Instagram : "Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids."
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer simply said: "Heartbreaking".
Ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman said: "Such devastating loss. My deepest condolences to his family xx".
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Diogo Jota's former Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves posted a short tribute on his Instagram story. He said: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!"
Portugal's 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 leave the family my deepest condolences. It's a sad day for football and for national and international sport."
Darts superstar Stephen Bunting, a huge Reds fan from Liverpool, posted a picture of himself with Jota on X and said: "Such sad news I’m hearing. RIP Diogo Jota. What a lovely person. Such a sad day for the football world and beyond. Only just married too. My heart goes out to the family and we are all sending our prayers."
Tributes have been left at Anfield for Jota
Tributes have been left at Anfield for Jota(Image: PA)
Portuguese Football Federation statement
Meanwhile, the Portuguese Football Federation said they and "all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain.
"Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.
"On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.
"The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."
Wedding joy
Jota married his childhood sweetheart Rute just two weeks earlier
Jota married his childhood sweetheart Rute just two weeks earlier(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Just 11 days before Jota's death, he married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso. The couple, who share three children, celebrated their wedding in Porto, surrounded by close family and friends, marking what was meant to be the start of a new chapter in their lives.
Jota’s sudden death at age 28 has cast a tragic shadow over the recent joyful occasion. Friends described the wedding as a heartfelt and intimate event, full of hope and happiness.
Now, Rute faces unimaginable heartbreak just days after their celebration.
Final post
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Tragically, the footy ace's final post on social media celebrated his wedding to his childhood sweetheart. In the video uploaded to his Instagram, Jota showed off preparations for the weddings as well as the party in full swing.
Jota also narrated a message to his wife, which read: "Dear Rute, today is a day that will mark our lives for the rest of our days. This is the only day that you have been able to get together at the same time at the same place with your family, your friends to celebrate what truly matters, which is love."
He captioned it: "A day we will never forget."
Statement from Liverpool FC
Liverpool fans are devastated
Liverpool fans are devastated
Liverpool Football Club said they "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."
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