The football world is in mourning following the untimely death of Diogo Jota, the 28-year-old forward for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. Jota and his 25-year-old brother, André Silva, were killed in a car accident in the early hours of July 3, 2025, near Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain. The brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini that suffered a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and catch fire.
Jota had recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days prior to the accident. He leaves behind his wife and their three young children.
Diogo Jota began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2016. He gained prominence during his loan spells at FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers, eventually joining Wolves permanently in 2018. In 2020, Jota signed with Liverpool FC, where he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals over five seasons.He was instrumental in Liverpool's successes, including their Premier League title win in April 2025
On the international stage, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals. He was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.
The news of Jota's passing has elicited an outpouring of grief from the football community and beyond. Liverpool FCreleased a statement expressing their devastation over the "unimaginable loss" and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota's teammate on the Portuguese national team, shared his sorrow on social media, stating, "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together on the national team, just now you had gotten married." He extended his condolences to Jota's family, emphasizing the profound loss.
LeBron James, part-owner of Liverpool FC, also paid tribute, expressing his condolences and including the acronym "YNWA" (You'll Never Walk Alone), a nod to the club's anthem.
Fans have gathered outside Anfield Stadium, leaving flowers, scarves, and messages in memory of Jota. The club plans to honor his legacy in upcoming matches
Diogo Jota was renowned for his versatility on the field, capable of playing in various attacking roles. His clinical finishing, pace, and work ethic made him a valuable asset to every team he played for. Off the field, he was known for his humility, dedication, and love for his family.
As the football world grapples with this tragic loss, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating the life and career of a player who left an indelible mark on the sport.
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