Liverpool and Portugal footballer Diogo Jota has tragically lost his life in a car accident on the A-52 in the province of Zamora, along with his 26-year-old brother, while taking a break during the off-season.
According to a report by Marca, Jota was traveling in a vehicle with his brother Andre – who was also a footballer for Penafiel – when the tragic incident occurred shortly after half past twelve on Thursday night.
The report indicated that the operations room of 1-1-2 Castilla y León received multiple calls notifying them of the accident. The vehicle was found abandoned on the road and engulfed in flames. The Traffic Civil Guard, the Fire Brigade of the Provincial Council of Zamora, and the Emergency Coordination Centre (CCU) of Health Emergencies – Sacyl were all sent to the location of the incident.
In addition, the Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care medical staff (MAP) from the Mombuey health centre were dispatched, confirming the deaths of the two young individuals at the scene.
According to a statement reported by The Sun, the emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region stated: “The 112 Castilla y León operations room received multiple calls regarding a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, located in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A vehicle was reported to have been involved in an accident and was on fire.
“As reported by BBC Sport, the vehicle, a Lamborghini, veered off the road in Zamora due to a tyre blowout while attempting to overtake another vehicle. Consequently, the car caught fire. The devastating news of Jota’s passing comes merely two weeks after the Portuguese player wed his long-term partner Rute Cardoso in Porto. The couple shared photos of their wedding – in front of the altar with their three children – online to commemorate their union. The caption read: “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.
“Jota transferred to the Reds from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2020, subsequently making 182 appearances and securing one Premier League title during his tenure. Throughout this period, the 28-year-old scored 65 goals and provided an additional 26 assists.
Prior to his move to the Premier League, Jota – who was born and raised in Porto – progressed through the ranks of Gondomar before being noticed by Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2016. He joined Porto on loan before Wolverhampton came calling in 2017. Jota became an integral part of Liverpool’s achievements under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
In light of the heartbreaking news, FC Porto – a club where Diogo made 38 appearances and Andre was involved at the youth level – has issued a statement to honor the brothers. In profound shock, the Portuguese club extended their sincerest condolences to their family, friends, and all those impacted by the news.
The Portuguese Football Federation also released a statement. “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entirety of Portuguese football are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain,” it began, translated into English.
“Beyond being an outstanding player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an exceptional individual, admired by teammates and opponents alike, someone who radiated joy and served as a role model within his community.
On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, played.
“They further stated that they have already requested that – prior to Portugal Women’s European Championships match against Spain on Thursday – a minute of silence be observed by those present in the stadium and at home. “We have lost two champions,” they concluded. “The loss of Diogo and Andre Silva represents an irreplaceable void for Portuguese Football, and we will strive to honor their legacy every day.