Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies in tragic road accident

Liverpool Football Club and the wider football world are in mourning following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his brother, Andre, aged 26.
The club was devastated to announce that Jota passed away after a road traffic accident in Spain.

The Portuguese Football Federation also confirmed the news, expressing that all of Portuguese football is utterly devastated by the deaths.

The incident occurred on the A-52 highway in the province of Zamora, in northwestern Spain. Reports from the regional fire department of Castile and Leon indicate that a car crashed shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and subsequently burst into flames. Two men, aged 28 and 26, were found dead at the scene. Portugal’s public broadcaster, TVE, reported that Jota and his brother Andre were traveling in the car when the vehicle went off the road. The Provincial Council of Zamora noted that the flames from the vehicle also spread to the vegetation.

Diogo Jota was 28 years old, and his brother, Andre, was 26. Andre was also a professional football player, plying his trade for the Portuguese second-division side Penafiel. The Portuguese Football Federation’s statement identified Andre as Andre Silva, while other sources identify him as Andre Jota. FC Porto also sent condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, noting that André was also an athlete in their youth ranks.

Liverpool FC released a statement expressing their devastation and requesting privacy for the family, friends, teammates, and club staff as they come to terms with the unimaginable loss. The club has pledged to continue providing them with their full support.

Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, confirmed the tragic news, stating that “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports”. The Portuguese Football Federation has requested UEFA observe a minute of silence before their National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.

FC Porto also shared their shock and deep sorrow, extending heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of both Diogo Jota and his brother.

Born in Porto, Portugal, Diogo Jota began his playing career through Paços de Ferreira’s youth setup before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2016.
He had a loan spell at Porto and then transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

Jota signed for Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of 45 million British pounds ($61.5m). He appeared in 182 matches for Liverpool across all competitions, scoring 65 goals and dishing out 22 assists. His time at Liverpool marked his best professional stint, winning the FA Cup and League Cup under manager Jurgen Klopp. He was also part of the Liverpool team that was victorious in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season under Arne Slot.

For his national team, Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal. He twice won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in 2019 and 2025.

The tragedy occurred just two weeks after Diogo Jota married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, in his native Portugal. He is survived by his wife and three kids.