Zamora, Spain — The soccer community is in deep sorrow following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, a forward for Liverpool and the Portugal national team, who died in a car accident early Thursday morning. He was 28 years old. His brother, André Silva, a fellow footballer, also lost his life in the incident, having just turned 25.
The fatal crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time on the A-52 highway. According to the Guardia Civil, the accident was attributed to a tire bursting while navigating an overtaking maneuver. The vehicle, identified as a Lamborghini, reportedly veered off the road and ignited after colliding with a barrier. Investigators have not confirmed which brother was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
Authorities identified the two brothers through documents found at the accident scene and the car’s license plate. Forensic testing later confirmed their identities at a morgue in Zamora. Sources indicate that the remains have been relocated to Puebla de Sanabria for further investigation and to facilitate the identification process. Family members were present to handle administrative matters necessary for repatriating the bodies to Portugal.
Officials are exploring whether speeding played a role in the incident. A wake was held Friday afternoon at a church in Gondomar, the brothers’ hometown near Porto, allowing the public to pay their respects. A funeral service has been scheduled for Saturday morning.
Jota was a key player for Liverpool, contributing to their recent Premier League title win, which marked the club’s 20th championship—the most in English football history. Over the past five years, he amassed 65 goals and helped secure one FA Cup and two EFL Cups. He was also part of Portugal’s national squad that clinched the Nations League title in both 2019 and June of this year.
André Silva played in Liga Portugal 2, showcasing his talents with Futebol Clube de Penafiel and accumulating 12 goals along with 10 assists throughout his career at various levels.
As news of the accident spread, tributes flooded in from across the sporting world. Legendary Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo expressed disbelief over the tragedy, stating that it “does not make sense.” Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who brought Jota to the club in 2020, shared heartfelt condolences, while current manager Arne Slot reflected on the lasting impact of Jota’s presence, vowing to honor him in due time.
Voices from outside soccer also joined in mourning, including NBA star LeBron James and Prince William of the United Kingdom, both of whom expressed their sadness over the loss. The outpouring of grief highlights the profound impact Jota and his brother had, both on and off the field.