Liverpool forward Diogo Jota died in a car crash alongside his brother in Spain.
Diogo Jota has tragically passed away at the age of 28 (Image: Getty)
Liverpool have issued a statement following the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota following a car crash in Spain. The 28-year-old Portugal forward’s brother, Andre Silva, also died in the accident, which took place in the Spanish province of Zamora. An outpouring of tributes has been received from the world of football, with the club now confirming the heartbreaking news in a statement.
The Guardia Civil confirmed that Jota and his brother died at approximately 00.30 local time on Thursday and that their car left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. Jota had only married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, last month. The newly-married couple had three children together and he recently posted pictures of the ceremony on social media.
A club statement 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.”
Former Reds player Jamie Carragher led the tributes to Jota on social media, writing: “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.”
Diogo Jota won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal last month. (Image: Getty)
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic became the first player to speak out on Jota’s death, taking to Instagram to share a picture of the two in training and writing: “You will be remembered my friend.”
Liverpool’s fierce rivals, Manchester United, posted on their social media shortly after the club statement was released, which read: “Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news.”
Local rivals Everton wrote: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.”
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that they have requested a minute’s silence from UEFA before Portugal Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain on Thursday, in addition to a statement: “The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”
