European and world football were rocked on Thursday by the tragic death of Diogo Jota, striker for Liverpool, in a car crash in the Castilla y León region of northwestern Spain.

The 28-year-old Portuguese forward was traveling with his brother André Silva, also a professional footballer, when their vehicle veered off the road, caught fire, and killed them both. 

According to Spain’s Civil Guard, the accident happened at around 12:30 a.m. local time Thursday near the city of Zamora. “All indications point to a tire blowout while attempting an overtake. As a result, the car caught fire and both occupants died at the scene,” the official statement said. The brothers were driving a Lamborghini, which was completely destroyed by the flames, eyewitnesses confirmed. 

Emergency services arrived quickly, but it was too late to save the players, who had already died from the impact and ensuing fire. The news has triggered shock and grief in Portugal, England, and across the global football community. 

A Career Built on Talent and Determination 

Born in Porto, Diogo José Teixeira da Silva — known worldwide as Diogo Jota — began his career at modest Gondomar SC alongside his brother André. His talent quickly took him to Paços Ferreira, where he debuted in Portugal’s top division.

He later signed for Atlético Madrid but was loaned out twice, first to Porto and then to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he truly broke through. 

With Wolves, Jota became a key figure in the team’s promotion to the Premier League, scoring crucial goals and delivering standout performances that drew international attention.

His rise prompted Liverpool to sign him in 2020 for nearly €45 million, despite the financial strains of the pandemic. Since then, he has been an integral part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad, contributing to the club’s successes in domestic and European competitions. 

For Portugal’s national team, Jota earned nearly 50 caps and was part of recent triumphs, including winning the UEFA Nations League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Just weeks before his death, Jota had shared photos of his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children. 

Tributes Pour In 

The Portuguese Football Federation released a heartfelt statement: “In addition to being a fantastic player, he was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and rivals. The loss of Diogo and his brother André is an irreparable blow to Portuguese football.” 

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, expressed his grief on social media: “It’s inconceivable. Not long ago we were together with the Seleção, and you had just gotten married. To your family and children, I send my deepest condolences and all the strength in the world. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.” 

Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025

André Silva, 26, was an attacking midfielder for Peñafiel in Portugal’s second division. He had signed with the club in 2023 on a deal through 2026 and was seen as a player with growing potential. 

Shock in the Premier League and at Liverpool 

Liverpool issued an official statement mourning the death of their forward: “The club is devastated by the tragic news of the death of our beloved player Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” 

The Premier League also expressed its condolences and announced that a minute of silence would be observed at all matches this weekend in memory of Jota and his brother. 

Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese federation, described the tragedy as “a moment of profound sadness” and called for respect for the memory of both players. “Portuguese football is in mourning, our clubs are in mourning. Today we lost a generational talent and an exemplary father,” he said. 

On Thursday, the football world stood united in grief over the sudden and irreparable loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva — two lives and careers cut tragically short in a crash that leaves an unfillable void.