Diogo Jota Liverpool Star and Brother Die In Tragic Spain Crash/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva died in a fiery car accident in Spain. Their Lamborghini veered off a highway near Zamora and burst into flames. Tributes have poured in from football stars and global sports figures.
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota Dies In Spain Crash: Quick Look
- Diogo Jota, 28, and brother André Silva, 25, died in Spain.
- Lamborghini crashed near Zamora and caught fire.
- Investigation underway; blown tire possible cause.
- Jota recently married, leaves behind wife and three kids.
- Tributes from Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool, UEFA, and global sports community.
- UEFA to hold moments of silence at Euro 2025 matches.
- Jota joined Liverpool in 2020, won three major trophies.
- The football world mourns a rising star’s tragic loss.
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and Brother Killed in Fiery Car Crash in Spain, Police Confirm
Deep Look
MADRID (AP) — Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva have died after their Lamborghini veered off a highway and burst into flames in Spain, police said Thursday.
The tragic accident occurred shortly after midnight near Zamora, in Spain’s northwest, according to the Spanish Civil Guard. Authorities confirmed to The Associated Press that Jota, 28, and Silva, 25, were found deceased at the crash site.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash, though police are examining whether a blown tire during an attempted overtaking maneuver may have led the car off the road. No other vehicles were involved.
Firefighters rushed to the scene as flames spread to surrounding vegetation. Images shared by Spanish media showed scorched ground, shredded guardrails, and the charred remains of the sports car resting several meters from the road.
It remains unclear who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash. Forensic examinations of the bodies are underway.
Jota’s death comes just weeks after he married Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children, the youngest born last year. In a social media post after the wedding, he wrote, “Yes to forever.”
Jota was also a regular for Portugal’s national team and played a pivotal role in their recent Nations League triumph. His brother, André Silva, played for Portuguese lower-division side Penafiel.
Liverpool expressed deep sorrow over the news.
“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,” the club said.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, going on to win three major trophies with the team, including the Premier League title last season.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença described Portuguese football as “completely devastated.”
“More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community,” Proença said in a statement.
A minute of silence was planned ahead of Portugal’s Women’s European Championship match against Spain in Switzerland on Thursday.
“We lost two champions,” Proença said. “Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honor their legacy daily.”
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called the deaths “unexpected and tragic,” adding, “It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sports.”
Expressions of shock and condolences poured in from across sports and beyond. NBA superstar and Liverpool minority owner LeBron James and tennis legend Rafael Nadal were among those offering tributes.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Cristiano Ronaldo said. “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married. My condolences to your family, to your wife and to your children. I wish them all the strength in the world. I know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
Former club FC Porto, former teammates, football federations, leagues, and clubs around the world joined in mourning the loss.
The Premier League said it was “shocked and devastated,” offering condolences to Jota’s family and Liverpool.
“Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed,” the league said.
UEFA announced moments of silence at Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday in memory of the brothers, stating that its thoughts are with “all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
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