Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident, aged 28.
Jota was involved in a crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain on Thursday, July 3. His brother, Andre, 26 and a footballer with Portuguese club Penafiel, was also killed in the incident.
The news comes 10 days after Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. He is survived by his wife and three children.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the Premier League champions said in a statement.
“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.”
MORE: Tributes paid to Liverpool star Diogo Jota
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has paid tribute to the Jota brothers.
“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,” a statement read.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international caps, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship.”
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Local police released a statement detailing the incident.
“A road accident occurred at 12.30 a.m. this morning at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora,” it read.
“A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed.
“Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe.”
Liverpool signed Jota from fellow Premier League club Wolves in 2020 and went on to become a fan favourite at Anfield. He played 182 times for the Reds, scoring 65 goals.
In 2021/22, he was part of the side led by Jurgen Klopp that won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, reached the Champions League final and finished as Premier League runners-up. Jota won the first league title of his career as Arne Slot’s Liverpool sealed Premier League glory last season. He scored nine times across all competitions in 2024/25.
At international level, Jota was capped 49 times by Portugal and scored 14 goals.
