Football in Mourning After Diogo Jota and Brother Andre Tragically Die in Car Crash

In heartbreaking news, Portuguese forward Diogo Jota has tragically passed away at the age of 28 following a car crash in Spain. The Liverpool star was reportedly travelling with his younger brother, Andre, when their vehicle veered off the road and caught fire. Sadly, both brothers lost their lives at the scene.

The accident happened in the early hours of Thursday morning on the A-52 highway in Zamora, a road frequently used by travelers heading out of northern Portugal. Just two weeks earlier, Jota had tied the knot with his long-time partner Rute Cardoso in a ceremony in Porto. The couple shared three young children together. 

According to emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region, calls began pouring in around the time of the crash, reporting that a car had gone off the road and was engulfed in flames near the municipality of Cernadilla. A statement from the authorities confirmed the incident and the swift response from the fire brigade, police, and medical services. 

Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, confirmed the devastating news with a heartfelt statement. "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva this morning in Spain," he said. Proença paid tribute to Jota not just as a footballer, but as a person. "Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by teammates and opponents alike, someone with infectious joy and a role model in his community." 

He also confirmed that UEFA had been asked to hold a minute’s silence ahead of Portugal’s upcoming women’s European Championship match against Spain on Thursday. “We lost two champions. The disappearance of Diogo and André Silva is an irreparable loss for Portuguese football. We will do everything we can to honor their legacy.” 

Jota had been a central figure in Portugal’s national team and a key part of Liverpool’s squad since joining the Premier League side from Wolves in 2020 for £41 million. Over four seasons, he scored 65 goals in 182 games, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield, and two Carabao Cups with the Reds. 

His sudden passing has left the football world in shock, with tributes pouring in from teammates, clubs, and fans across the globe. A talented forward with a tireless work ethic, Jota will be remembered not just for his goals and silverware, but for the joy he brought to those around him — on and off the pitch. Diogo Jota is survived by his wife – Rute Cardoso – and their three kids.