Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Portuguese Footballers Diogo Jota and André Silva
The global football community is mourning the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva, following a fatal car crash in Spain early Thursday morning. Jota, aged 28, and Silva, 25, died after their vehicle veered off the A-52 road in the province of Zamora and caught fire.
According to the Spanish Guardia Civil, the crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time and was caused by a tire blowout while overtaking. Authorities said it remains unclear which brother was driving the Lamborghini, which reportedly burst into flames upon impact.
The remains of the two men were initially identified by documents recovered at the scene and the vehicle’s license plate. Forensic analysis conducted later at a morgue in Zamora confirmed their identities. Their bodies have since been transferred to Puebla de Sanabria, where the administrative process for repatriation to Portugal was completed in the presence of their family.
The crash is being investigated as a potential speeding incident, according to local officials. A government source told media that further inquiries are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Recent Success on and off the Pitch
The devastating news comes less than two weeks after Jota married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso. The couple shared three children. Jota had just completed a successful season with Liverpool, helping the club secure its 20th top-flight English title in April, tying Manchester United’s record. He played in 26 of the 38 league games, scoring six goals and assisting four others. Since joining Liverpool in 2020 under former manager Jürgen Klopp, Jota scored 65 goals and helped win one FA Cup and two EFL Cups.
Internationally, Jota was also part of Portugal’s Nations League-winning squads in 2019 and again in June 2025.
His younger brother André Silva played in Portugal’s second division for FC Penafiel. Over his professional career, André recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 105 appearances, including youth competitions.
A Wave of Tributes From Around the World
News of the crash sent shockwaves through the football world. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo shared a message expressing disbelief, saying the deaths “do not make sense.” Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who brought Jota to Anfield, released a heartfelt tribute, offering “prayers, thoughts and power” to the grieving family.
Current Liverpool head coach Arne Slot also paid homage: “When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota. We will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For now, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.”
Outside of football, tributes came from NBA star LeBron James and Prince William, who said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.
A wake for the brothers began Friday morning at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, their hometown parish near Porto. The public was allowed to pay their respects later in the afternoon. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time.
A Legacy of Passion and Talent
Jota’s impact on the pitch was significant, but those who knew him have highlighted his character and generosity as equally unforgettable. His career was one of steady progression and professionalism, having risen from FC Paços de Ferreira to Atlético Madrid, Wolves, and then Liverpool, where he became a key member of one of Europe’s most competitive squads.
André, though playing at a lower level, was also deeply committed to the sport, and his death marks the loss of another talented athlete whose career was still unfolding.
As fans, clubs, and teammates continue to express grief and share memories, both Diogo and André will be remembered not just for their achievements, but for the lives they led and the inspiration they brought to others.