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Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota died in a car accident alongside his younger brother Andre, local authorities confirmed Thursday.
The crash occurred late Monday evening near Porto. Emergency services were alerted by bystanders who reported that the vehicle was engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to nearby vegetation. Both Jota (28) and his 26-year-old brother were pronounced dead at the scene.
Jota was newly married, just five days before the incident.
Born Diogo Jose Teixeira da Silva on Dec. 4, 1996, in Porto, he began his professional career at Pacos de Ferreira before signing with Atletico Madrid in 2016. He later played for FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan, eventually joining Wolves permanently and scoring 44 goals in 131 appearances.
In 2020, Turkish club Besiktas showed intense interest in Jota, but he moved to Liverpool FC in a £41 million ($56.06 million) transfer, becoming a key attacking figure under Jurgen Klopp and contributing vital goals in both Premier League and UEFA Champions League competitions.
Internationally, Jota was part of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League-winning squads in 2019 and 2025 and featured in the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2020 and 2024 UEFA European Championships.
Off the pitch, he was known for his passion for gaming, music, and photography. He was in a long-term relationship with Rute Cardoso and was the father of one child.
Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), expressed profound grief over the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in the tragic accident in Zamora, Spain.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva early this morning in Spain,” Proenca said. “More than an outstanding player with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo was an extraordinary person, respected by teammates and opponents alike, with a contagious joy and a role model in the community.”
He extended condolences to the families, friends, Liverpool FC, and FC Penafiel, the clubs where Jota and Andre Silva, respectively, played.
The FPF has requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence before Portugal’s Women’s European Championship match against Spain this Thursday.
“We lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we will do everything daily to honor their legacy,” Proenca added.
Liverpool Football Club expressed devastation over the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
The club confirmed that the 28-year-old forward died following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
Liverpool FC will make no further comments at this time and requests the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates, and club staff be respected as they come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support,” the club stated.
Besiktas expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Diogo Jota, extending heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and Liverpool FC. .
The Turkish club highlighted Jota’s respected status within the football community and wished him eternal peace.
Fenerbahce also shared their sympathies, stating they were deeply saddened by the news and sent their thoughts to Jota’s family, teammates, and everyone at Liverpool during this difficult time. .
Galatasaray expressed extreme sadness at the loss and extended condolences to Jota’s family, friends, and the entire Liverpool FC community. .
Trabzonspor offered their heartfelt sympathies, highlighting the tragic nature of the loss and sending their prayers for Jota to rest in peace. .
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