Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, his brother die in tragic road accident in Spain

Portuguese and Liverpool foward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, its law enforcement agency, the Guardia Civil, confirmed to the BBC.

His brother, André Silver, a footballer, also died in the crash, which happened at around 00:30 local time (23:30 BST).

The car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking another car. The car set on fire, and both are confirmed to have died.

“The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking,” the Guardia Civil said.

“It was in the early hours, 00:30 local time (23:30 BST), in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”

The accident took place less than two weeks after his wedding day. Jota married his wife, Rute Cardoso, on June 22.

In a post shared on the couple’s social media, the pair wrote: “Yes, forever.” The pair have three children together.

In a statement, Liverpool Football Club said they were devastated by the tragic passing of 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.”

Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this early morning, in Spain. Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, 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 Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, they played their football,” he added.

“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… The loss of Diogo and Andre represent irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything, daily, to honour their legacy.”

Jota had six goals and three assists in 26 appearances in the Premier League in 2024-25.

The Football Association (FA) and the Premier League said they are “devastated” to hear of the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André.

Both have sent their deepest condolences to Diogo’s family, friends and team-mates in posts to social media.

“Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed,” the Premier League adds.

“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic,” says Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

The prime minister sends his “deepest condolences” to the brothers’ family in a post on social media.

“It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports,” he adds.