The football world is reeling after the sudden death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother Andre Silva, 26, in a tragic car accident in Spain’s Zamora province early Thursday morning.
The Guardia Civil confirmed to BBC Sport that the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini when a tyre blew out as they attempted to overtake another vehicle. The car veered off the road and caught fire at around 00:30 local time, resulting in both men being pronounced dead at the scene.
Jota, who had recently helped Liverpool win the Premier League title and played a key role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory in June, had only just married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple shared three young children.
His brother Andre Silva was also a professional footballer, playing in Portugal’s second division with Penafiel. He was previously a youth player at FC Porto during the time Jota spent on loan there in the 2016-17 season.
Tributes poured in from across the sporting world. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) issued a heartfelt statement: “Much more than an amazing player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person. We have lost two champions, and their passing is an irreparable loss for Portuguese football.” The FPF requested that UEFA hold a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euros clash against Spain on Thursday.
FC Porto expressed their grief, saying: “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.”
Jota began his senior career at Paços de Ferreira before signing with Atletico Madrid in 2016. He rose to prominence during a loan spell at Porto and later at Wolverhampton Wanderers, before making a high-profile move to Liverpool in 2020. He earned nearly 50 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and becoming a fan favourite for his tireless energy and attacking flair.
Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, described the news as “unexpected and tragic,” adding: “Diogo Jota greatly honoured Portugal’s name. This is a sad day for football and international sport.”
As football clubs, fans, and players around the world mourn the loss, the legacy of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva will be honoured both on and off the pitch.
