Footballer Diogo Jota has been killed in a car crash in Spain at the age of 28 alongside his brother.
The Liverpool FC forward had been travelling with his brother Andre Silva in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The pair were killed driving along the A52 in the province of Zamora when their car went off the road and caught fire.
The incident happened just two weeks after Jota married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, in Porto, Portugal.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed their deaths in a statement, which read: “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning.
“Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.”
Offering their condolences, they added: “We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
Jota recently married partner
Diogo Jota married his long term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22 in Portugal.
The pair have been together since 2013 and have three children together – two sons and a daughter who was born in November.
Mike Jones3 July 2025 10:20
Watch: Diogo Jota dies in car accident aged 28
Tara Cobham3 July 2025 10:19
FIFPRO ‘deeply saddened’ by deaths of Jota and brother
FIFPRO has said they are “deeply saddened” by the deaths of the two brothers.
In a statement, they said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
“Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones.
“May they rest in peace.”
Tara Cobham3 July 2025 10:18
Sporting CP sends condolences
Portuguese club, Sporting CP, also posted their condolences after Jota’s death was confirmed.
They wrote on social media: “The world of football has become poorer.
“Sporting CP expresses its sorrow for the passing of the Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
“The most heartfelt condolences to all the family in this difficult time.”
Mike Jones3 July 2025 10:11
UK culture secretary pays tribute to Jota
UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has paid tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota who was killed in a car crash in Spain.
She told the Commons: “We just received the heartbreaking news a moment ago before we came in to the chamber that he lost his life at just 28 years of age.”
Ms Nandy said the whole House “is heartbroken by this news”, adding: “I wanted to send our sympathies to his family on behalf of the whole House.”
Shadow culture minister Saqib Bhatti had earlier said: “As we came into the chamber today there was tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool footballer, at the age of 28. So can I put our condolences to the friends and families and Liverpool fans across the world on that passing.”
Tara Cobham3 July 2025 10:10
Jota’s brother Andre Silva also killed
Diogo Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer was also killed in the crash.
Mike Jones3 July 2025 10:09
No other vehicles involved in crash
The Spanish civil guard confirmed to The Associated Press that Jota and his brother were found dead after their car went off a road near the western city of Zamora.
Police were investigating the causes and said there were no other vehicles involved.
Mike Jones3 July 2025 10:05
FC Porto send condolences
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, came through the youth ranks at Porto and the club have offered their condolences to their family.
The club wrote: “FC Porto is in mourning.
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.
Mike Jones3 July 2025 10:02
Tributes come in for Jota
Football writer, Henry Winter, described the news of Jota’s death as ‘shocking’ and ‘tragic’.
Writing on X, he said: “Desperate news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
“Shocking, tragic and unimaginable the grief of their families and friends. Thoughts with them at this heart-breaking time. RIP.”
Mike Jones3 July 2025 10:00
Gary Neville pays tribute to Jota
Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, pays tribute to Jota.
He wrote on X: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”
Mike Jones3 July 2025 09:57