Liverpool star forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, died in a car accident on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in northwestern Spain, authorities confirmed.
The Spanish Civil Guard told The Associated Press that the crash occurred near the city of Zamora, close to the Portuguese border. Jota, 28, and Silva, 25, were the only occupants in a Lamborghini that veered off the road, struck a guardrail and burst into flames. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Jota’s death comes just over a week after his marriage to longtime partner Rute Cardoso. The couple had three children, the youngest born in 2024. Cardoso had shared a post on social media celebrating their wedding with the caption “Yes to forever.”
Spanish officials said the crash happened after midnight, and no other vehicles were involved. Investigators are considering the possibility of a tire blowout while attempting to overtake another car, though it remains unclear who was driving. A forensic analysis of the bodies is underway. Video footage published by local media showed tire skid marks leading toward the broken guardrail. Flames engulfed the car, and surrounding vegetation was scorched. One truck driver passing by captured the wreckage on camera, showing the Lamborghini ablaze.
CNN Portugal’s sports editor, Rui Laura, said live on air, “The surgery he (Jota) had was lung surgery, and he had been advised against flying following this … He was on his way to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to cross the ferry and reach the UK that way and carry on with the car once he reached Britain. He was on his way to Liverpool with his brother.” Jota had been on summer break following a demanding season with Liverpool and Portugal’s national team, most recently helping his country secure the Nations League title in June. His final match came in the championship against Spain in Munich.
A native of Porto, Jota began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and eventually Liverpool in 2020. During his time with the Reds, he won three major trophies and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances. His final goal came in a crucial April win over Everton. His younger brother, André Silva, played professionally in Portugal with lower-division club Penafiel.
Liverpool FC released a brief statement expressing devastation over the loss and requested privacy for the family. “We will continue to provide them with our full support,” the club said. Liverpool fans gathered outside Anfield, laying flowers and team scarves in tribute. Head coach Arne Slot said in a statement, “Diogo, we had the same dream and we fulfilled it together.”
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Jota was “an athlete who greatly honored Portugal’s name.” Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, called the deaths an “irreparable loss,” praising Jota as “an extraordinary person” with “contagious joy.”
On Thursday’s Women’s European Championship match between Portugal and Spain in Switzerland, a moment of silence was observed to honor Jota and Silva. Tributes poured in from across the sports world. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had recently shared the field with Jota, wrote on social media, “Rest in peace, Diogo and André We will all miss you.”
The Premier League and UEFA also issued statements expressing condolences, with moments of silence planned at upcoming matches. The All England Club at Wimbledon said players would be allowed to wear black ribbons in tribute.
After scoring in the 43rd minute of Real Salt Lake’s 3-2 win over St. Louis City SC, midfielder Diogo Gonçalves paid tribute to fellow Portuguese teammate Jota. Gonçalves pointed skyward and held up Jota’s name on his wrist tape in an emotional moment of remembrance.
Jota’s funeral took place Saturday, July 6, in Gondomar, Portugal.
