By Kwame Bediako
Spanish police have confirmed that Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, died in a car accident near Zamora in northwestern Spain early on July 3, 2025. According to the Guardia Civil, the brothers’ Lamborghini left the road on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla after what is believed to have been a tyre burst while overtaking. The vehicle caught fire, killing both men instantly. Firefighters were called to contain the blaze, which spread to nearby vegetation, but the occupants could not be saved.
The crash occurred just weeks after Jota, 28, celebrated his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, in Porto, Portugal. The couple shared three young children, including a daughter born last year. In a poignant social media post shortly before the accident, Jota wrote “Yes to forever,” reflecting the joy of his recent marriage. His brother André, 25, was also a professional footballer, currently playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
Authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances of the accident, with forensic tests ongoing. It remains unclear who was driving the car at the time of the crash. Police have ruled out the involvement of other vehicles, focusing on the possibility that a tyre burst caused the Lamborghini to veer off the road. The isolated location of the accident made immediate rescue efforts challenging.
Diogo Jota had been a key player for Liverpool since joining in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee exceeding £40 million. He made over 180 appearances for the club, helping them secure the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles. Internationally, Jota earned nearly 50 caps for Portugal, participating in Euro 2022 and 2024 and winning the UEFA Nations League twice. His sudden death is a profound loss to both club and country.
The Portuguese Football Federation expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the two brothers, calling them “irreplaceable losses” for Portuguese football. Tributes have poured in from across the football world, including from Liverpool teammates, Premier League clubs, and fans globally. The investigation into the crash continues as the football community mourns a talented player and beloved family man whose life was tragically cut short.
