Diogo Jota's tragic loss shakes football: Tributes pour in for Liverpool star

His younger brother, Andre Silva, 25, also perished in the tragedy. The accident occurred just 11 days after Jota's wedding to his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, leaving behind three young children.

The crash happened around 12:30 (a.m.) on Thursday on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, as the brothers drove a Lamborghini toward Santander to catch a ferry to England. Spanish authorities reported that a tyre blowout during an overtake caused the car to veer off the road and burst into flames. Investigations are ongoing, with speed being considered a possible factor. Jota had been advised against flying due to recent lung surgery, prompting the road trip.

Liverpool, where Jota became a beloved figure, expressed their devastation. "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the Reds said in a statement. "We 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."

Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £41 million, was a key part of their Premier League title-winning campaign last season, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances. He also lifted the FA Cup in 2022 and two Carabao Cups. His 49 caps for Portugal included two UEFA Nations League triumphs, the most recent in June 2025.

Tributes have flooded in from across the football community. Liverpool's head coach, Arne Slot, said, "Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals, the essence of what a Liverpool player should be. He was a friend to everyone, someone who made others feel good just by being with them."

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, shared his grief: "What a human being, what a player, but most importantly, what an unbelievable family man. For your family to lose two sons, a husband, and a father is just unimaginable. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it!"

Former teammate Andy Robertson recalled Jota's warmth: "He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life, his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile."

Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota's Portugal teammate, posted on Instagram, "It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, you had just got married. I send my condolences and all the strength in the world to your family."

Chelsea captain Reece James, speaking before the Blues' Club World Cup quarter-final, said, "It's devastating. It puts football into perspective that there's a lot more to life than football." He noted the impact on teammate Pedro Neto, a close friend of Jota, adding, "We've been there to support him the best we can."

Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Jota scored 44 goals in 131 games, mourned their former star: "Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates, and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten."

In Jota's hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, a vigil was held, with crowds gathering to honor the brothers. A wake took place early on Friday, and the funeral is set for Saturday in Porto. Liverpool opened physical and digital books of condolence at Anfield, where fans left flowers, scarves, and jerseys, many bearing the club's motto, "You'll Never Walk Alone."

The Portuguese Football Federation called the brothers' deaths "irreparable losses for Portuguese football," requesting a minute's silence before Portugal's Women's Euro 2025 match against Spain.

Jota's legacy as a dynamic, high-pressing forward and a humble, joyful person will endure. As Slot said, "When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals, and we will sing his song." For now, the football world unites in grief, ensuring Jota and Andre are never forgotten.

READ MORE: Liverpool, Porto release statements after tragic death of Diogo Jota