Sports Desk
Football fans across the globe are mourning the tragic loss of Portuguese international and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died at the age of 28 in a horrific car crash in northern Spain. His younger brother, Andre Silva, 26, also perished in the crash that occurred on the A-52 highway in the Zamora province — a key route between northern Portugal and Spain.
The devastating accident happened just two weeks after Jota married his longtime partner and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony held in Porto. Only days earlier, in an emotional interview, Jota described himself as “the luckiest man in the world,” celebrating the new chapter in his life.
According to reports, Jota was behind the wheel of a Lamborghini supercar with his brother Andre as the passenger. Spanish authorities say the vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames after what is believed to have been a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but both brothers were declared dead on arrival.
In an official statement, emergency services from the Castilla and León region confirmed the fatal accident:
“The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire,” the report read.
“1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident. A Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people at the scene.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest that the high-powered vehicle may have lost control due to a tyre malfunction while overtaking another car.
Football World in Mourning
Confirmation of Jota’s death came from Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), who expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the wider football community.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain,” Proença said.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international caps for the National A Team, 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, the players lined up.”
In honor of the fallen stars, the FPF has officially requested a minute of silence before Portugal’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying match against Spain this Thursday.
“The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy,” Proença added.
A Career of Promise and Passion
Born in Porto in 1997, Diogo Jota began his football career at Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid and eventually finding his form with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League. His explosive pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring instincts earned him a move to Liverpool FC in 2020, where he quickly became a fan favorite under Jürgen Klopp’s management.
At Liverpool, Jota played a key role in the club’s Premier League and UEFA Champions League campaigns. His tenacity, versatility, and work ethic on the pitch distinguished him as one of the most promising forwards in European football. Over the course of his career, he earned nearly 50 international caps for Portugal, scoring vital goals in UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifying matches.
His younger brother, Andre Silva (not to be confused with the senior Portuguese international of the same name), was also a professional footballer. Andre played for FC Penafiel, a club in Portugal’s Liga Portugal 2, and was beginning to rise through the ranks with consistent performances in midfield.
A Family and Nation Grieve
Jota’s sudden death leaves behind his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children. Their recent wedding in Porto was attended by close friends, family, and teammates, with social media flooded by congratulatory messages and well-wishes just two weeks ago.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, clubs, and fans across the world. Liverpool FC has yet to release an official statement but is expected to hold a tribute ahead of their next pre-season match.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking at a press conference, said:
“It’s an unimaginable loss. We may compete on the pitch, but in moments like this, we are united in grief. My thoughts are with Diogo’s family, his club, and the people of Portugal.”
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared the pitch with Jota during national team duty, posted a black-and-white image of the striker on Instagram with the caption: “Gone too soon. Rest in peace, brother.”
Final Journey
Following official identification and necessary protocols, arrangements are being made to repatriate the bodies of Diogo and Andre to Portugal. The Portuguese government has offered to assist in the funeral arrangements, with a state-sponsored memorial under consideration.
The FPF has also announced plans to establish a youth football scholarship in Jota’s name, aimed at supporting underprivileged young players across Portugal — a cause close to the late striker’s heart.
As millions mourn this monumental loss, Diogo Jota will be remembered not only for his footballing brilliance but for his humility, dedication to family, and the passion he brought to the game.
Africa Live News extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of Diogo and Andre, to Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel, and the entire football community.
May they both rest in peace.
