The first pictures of Diogo Jota’s fatal car crash have been released by Spanish media after the Liverpool forward and his brother died in the Spanish province of Zamora. The Portugal footballer and his brother, Andre Silva, were both in the car and the Guardia Civil confirmed they died at approximately 00.30 local time.
They say the Lamborghini that Jota was travelling in suffered a tyre blowout and left the road while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire. Jota had only married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, last month. They had three children together.
Spanish outlet LOZ released the first pictures of Jota’s crash, with the victims left unidentifiable. The report says that several firefighters from the nearby town of Rionegro del Puente rushed to the scene but were unable to save the lives of the two young men.
Liverpool released a statement on Thursday morning which read: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Another Spanish outlet, AS, published a picture of the car on the side of the road with police and the emergency medical unit attending the scene.
Several of Jota’s former clubs have also paid tribute to him. Wolves, who he left to join Liverpool in 2020, wrote on social media: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
Wolves brought Jota to the Premier League from Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club also issuing a statement that read: “Atletico de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former club player, and his brother Andre. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
UEFA have confirmed that, after a request from the Portuguese Football Federation, a minute’s silence will be held during all matches at the Women’s Euro 2025 on Friday and Saturday, including Spain vs Portugal.
An outpouring of tributes has been paid to Jota and his brother, who played professional football with Portuguese second-division club Penafiel.
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher wrote on social media: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
Pedro Proenca, head of the Portuguese Football Federation, said in a statement: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, this morning, in Spain.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
“We lost to two champions. The death of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honour their legacy.”
UK Express
