Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28, with the Portugal international passing away following a fatal car crash in northwest Spain
12:34, 03 Jul 2025
Jurgen Klopp and Diogo Jota
Jurgen Klopp was always a big fan of Diogo Jota(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Few individuals recognised the unique qualities Diogo Jota brought to the table better than Jurgen Klopp.
Tragically, on Thursday, Jota lost his life in a fatal car accident in northwest Spain. The 28-year-old Liverpool star and his brother Andre Silva were both killed in the crash. The incident took place around 12:40am near Zamora, close to the Portuguese border.
The Lamborghini they were both travelling in suffered a tyre blowout, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road and burst into flames. Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, both occupants were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Jota made the move from Wolves to Liverpool in 2020 and quickly became an integral part of the team under then-manager Klopp. Even though he often played second fiddle to attacking superstars like Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, Klopp never underestimated Jota's extraordinary skill and influence on the squad.
"Diogo is a very smart footballer," Klopp gushed in 2023. "He understands the game really well. He understands it on a different level, he sees situations slightly earlier to adapt quicker, he's both footed and a great finisher."
Two years prior, the German manager hailed Jota as "an exceptional player" and "an exceptional boy" after watching him score a vital brace in a 4-0 victory over Southampton. "He has everything that a Liverpool player in this squad needs," Klopp said at the time.
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Klopp and Jota hugging
Klopp signed Jota from Wolves in 2020(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"He has the technical skills, he has the physical skills and he is very smart and can learn all the tactical stuff pretty quick. On top of that, he can play all three positions; in a 4-2-3-1 he could play as the 10. So, it is very helpful.
"He has the speed, has the desire to finish situations off really good. I think his goalscoring record is pretty impressive."
The respect was clearly reciprocated. Following Klopp's final match at the helm at Liverpool last year, Jota shared several snaps with the 58-year-old coach, writing: "Thank you for the unforgettable and incredible moments, boss. Thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to play for this amazing club. Wishing you all the best in your future!".
During his five-season stint at Anfield, Jota netted 65 goals in 182 appearances. He was instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League triumph in 2024/25 and also hoisted the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022.
Diogo Jota of Portugal poses for a photograph with the UEFA Nations League trophy
Jota won three major trophies with Liverpool and the Nations League with Portugal(Image: (Photo by Maja Hitij - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))
Shortly after the heartbreaking news of his passing, the club issued this statement: "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."
Jota, who had recently tied the knot with Rute Cardoso, mother of his three children, had previously declared himself as "the luckiest man in the world" to be her husband.
Jota and long-term partner Rute Cardoso at their wedding
Jota married long-term partner Rute Cardoso less than a fortnight ago(Image: Instagram/@diogoj_18)
Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the football community since the announcement of his passing. Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher wrote: "Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids."
Gary Neville said: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family." While his ex-Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand added: "Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family and friends!"
Ruben Neves, a former club and international team-mate of Jota's, shared an emotional tribute, stating: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!"
Diogo Jota
Tributes have been pouring in for Jota since his death was announced(Image: PA Wire)
Wolves released a poignant statement which read: "We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.
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"The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered."
Another of his previous clubs, Atletico Madrid, expressed their sorrow: "Atletico Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former club player, and his brother Andre. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. Rest in peace."