Liverpool forward Diogo Jota tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain when the Lamborghini he was travelling in veered off the road and burst into flames following a tyre blowout. The football community and beyond have been paying tribute to the 28 year old father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days prior.
Jota, who was advised not to fly post-surgery and therefore drove to catch a ferry, was found deceased alongside his brother Andre Silva after the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near Zamora city at 12:40am on Thursday. The luxury car they were travelling in ended up as a fiery wreckage by the roadside, with Jota's newlywed wife having to identify the brothers.
A representative from the government sub-delegation in Zamora confirmed that "a possible speeding incident" is under investigation. Liverpool expressed their devastation over the news, describing it as an "unimaginable loss".
The Portuguese Football Federation also expressed their devastation upon hearing of the tragedy, stating: "Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football."
Police reported that no other vehicles were involved in the incident. As the football world grieves the loss of the beloved striker, here's what we know about the accident that claimed his and his brother's lives.
Police confirmation
The Civil Guard in Zamora provided the initial public confirmation that footballers Jota and Silva had perished, with medical staff declaring them deceased shortly after arriving at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Civil Guard in Zamora remarked: "The investigation into the crash is being carried out by Civil Guard traffic officers. We believe the car suffered a blowout from the marks on the road. The full police report once it is completed will be submitted to a duty court in Zamora which has launched an ongoing judicial investigation into this crash.
"That report is going to take time to complete, probably about four or five days but possibly longer. At this moment in time it is impossible to say at exactly what speed the car was going but that is something the Civil Guard investigators will be able to detail at least approximately in their final report from things like the skid marks. What I can confirm is that no other vehicle was involved and no-one else was hurt."
ZAMORA, SPAIN - JULY 3: General view of the crash site where Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives, showing the wreckage of the Lamborghini Huracan at kilometre 65 of the A-52, near the town of Cernadilla, close to Zamora, Spain. The car crash occurred just after midnight on July 3, 2025. Spanish authorities said the vehicle left the road and caught fire upon impact. Both Jota and his brother were killed. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
First images
Following the confirmation of their tragic deaths, the first images from the scene were circulated, revealing the startling aftermath of the Lamborghini accident. The photograph displayed the charred remains of the car off the road, with several medical professionals standing around it.
Emergency services in Castilla and Leon issued a statement confirming the tragic incident, stating: "The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident, and the vehicle was on fire.
"1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident. From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene."
'Road full of potholes'
In the wake of the deaths of Jota and Silva, there's been significant chatter about the condition of the A52, where the accident took place, with numerous individuals voicing their concerns on social media regarding the road's safety. Although it's not yet clear if the state of the road contributed to the crash, this hasn't stopped the public from airing their grievances about what they describe as the "deplorable" state of the thoroughfare.
A user identified as X commented: "This is the highway/goat track where Diogo Jota and his brother died. I don't know if they had a puncture, or if an animal got in their way.... What I do know is that the A52 is in a deplorable state."
One commenter shared their experience, saying: "You're absolutely right, when I come from France and I go to Vigo, I go through there and I'm always afraid of that road with all the potholes it has, it can break the suspension."
Another added their voice to the concerns: "I drove around it once in 2023, and I found it to be in a terrible state. I can't conceive that it is still not being resurfaced."
And someone else expressed their frustrations: "The puncture is easy, the road is full of potholes, it's a real danger."
Police confirmation
Tragedy struck when the Lamborghini swerved off the road, resulting in a fiery blaze that firefighters extinguished; the fire also scorched nearby vegetation. Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, identification of Jota and Silva was made possible through documents located at the crash site and within the incinerated vehicle.
A license plate emerged as the key piece of evidence leading officials to ascertain the passing of the two siblings. Forensic experts, meanwhile, have had to rely on DNA testing as part of their efforts during the autopsy.
Liverpool fans have flocked to Anfield to lay floral tributes
Liverpool fans have flocked to Anfield to lay floral tributes (Image: AP)
Reason for journey
In anticipation of Liverpool's pre-season kickoff the following week, it was discovered that Jota had been travelling to Santander to board a ferry bound for the UK when the accident took place.
Jota, accompanied by his younger brother, chose to drive after the Portugal international was advised against flying following lung surgery. The duo planned to stop in Benavente overnight before catching the ferry to Portsmouth, en route to Merseyside for what would have been his sixth season at Anfield.