The crash that killed Diogo Jota and his brother is being investigated as a "possible speeding incident", it has been confirmed.
The Portugal international, 28, died in a car accident on Thursday alongside his brother Andre, 26. The pair died at around 00:30 local time in the Spanish province of Zamora.
A source from the Government Sub-delegation in Zamora confirmed to the PA news agency that the probe had been launched. Police said the car they were in – a Lamborghini – left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle.
The supercar then caught fire, as pictures emerged showing the harrowing condition it was left in.
Diogo Jota recently celebrated his first Premier League win with Liverpool
Diogo Jota recently celebrated his first Premier League win with Liverpool (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Firefighters were called to put out the blaze, which is said to have spread to the surrounding vegetated area.
However, they were sadly not able to save the two professional footballers’ lives. According to El Pais, the fire damage to the bodies prevented the necessary tests from being carried out to confirm beyond any doubt that the two victims were the Liverpool FC footballer and his companion, his brother.
The tragic accident comes just 11 days after Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso. His last Instagram post was a video montage of their special day, which involved their three children.
He uploaded it just hours before his death with the caption: "A day we will never forget,” along with a love heart.
The talented forward married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso 11 days ago
The talented forward married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso 11 days ago (Image: Instagram/@diogoj_18)
Having been together since 2012, they got engaged in July 2022 after the former Wolves forward proposed at a picturesque lakeside setting. Just days before his passing, Rute and Jota had shared photos of the ceremony, which took place in a grand church last month.
Rute penned: “Yes to forever. My dream came true,” while her husband wrote: "I'm the lucky one."
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020, where he became an Anfield favourite thanks to his crucial goals, including nine last season that helped the Reds clinch the Premier League title. He scored a total of 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Anfield club.
He also played for Portugal as they defeated Spain in the final of the Nations League in June. Jota had been enjoying his summer break ahead of his return to Liverpool for pre-season.
Diogo Jota with his brother André Silva at Porto
Diogo Jota, with his brother Andre Silva, during their time at Porto (Image: FACEBOOK)
An official club statement from his club read: “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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