Liverpool Star Diogo Jota and Brother Andre Silva Killed in Crash

• Diogo Jota and brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain
• Liverpool, Wolves, Porto, and Portugal all paid tribute to the 28-year-old forward
• “We have lost two champions,” said the Portuguese Football Federation

Liverpool and the wider football world are mourning the death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who has died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a tragic car crash in Spain. Jota was 28 years old.

The accident occurred at approximately 00:30 local time on Thursday in the Spanish province of Zamora. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini when a tyre blowout caused the car to veer off the road while overtaking another vehicle, before catching fire. Both men died at the scene.

Jota, who had just married long-term partner Rute Cardoso 11 days earlier, leaves behind three children. Photos from the wedding, held on 22 June, were recently shared on his social media channels.

Liverpool Football Club issued a statement saying:
“We are devastated.”

Jota joined the Reds in 2020 from Wolves for £41 million, scoring 65 goals in 182 games. He helped Liverpool win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, and was part of their Premier League-winning squad in 2023-24.

Wolves, where Jota scored 44 goals in 131 games between 2017 and 2020, also paid tribute.
“We are heartbroken,” the club said.
“Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother.”

The Portuguese Football Federation said the loss of both Jota and Andre Silva was a devastating blow for the nation’s football community.
“Much more than an amazing player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself,” the FPF said.
“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.”

Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal, scoring 14 goals. His final appearance came in a UEFA Nations League win over Spain on 8 June.

UEFA confirmed there would be a minute’s silence ahead of Portugal’s women’s Euro qualifier against Spain in honour of the brothers.

Andre Silva, 25, was also a professional footballer. He came through the youth system at Porto and had been playing for second-division side Penafiel, where he made 59 league appearances in the past two seasons. The brothers were pictured together at Porto during their time at the club’s academy.

Porto issued a statement saying:
“FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Rest in peace.”

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed the nation’s grief.
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic,” he said.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”

Former Porto manager and current club president Andre Villas-Boas added:
“This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people,” he said.
“Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football but also for their personal and human qualities.
“To the family and friends of Diogo and Andre, still devastated by the injustice of their untimely loss, I offer my condolences. Football has lost two great men.”