The football world is in mourning following the devastating news that Diogo Jota, 28, forward for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, and his younger brother André Silva, 25, have tragically passed away in a car accident in northwestern Spain.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning near Zamora, where their vehicle reportedly veered off the road due to a suspected tyre blowout and caught fire. Emergency services responded swiftly, but both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Jota, who recently celebrated his wedding just 11 days ago, leaves behind his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children. Known for his relentless work ethic, sharp instincts, and infectious smile, Jota made 182 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals and playing a pivotal role in the club’s recent Premier League triumph. Internationally, he earned 49 caps for Portugal and was a two-time UEFA Nations League champion.
His brother André, a professional footballer for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division, was also remembered as a rising talent with a deep love for the game.
Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing their heartbreak: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo 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. We request the privacy of their family be respected as they come to terms with this unimaginable loss.”
Tributes have poured in from across the globe. UEFA has announced a minute of silence before all matches today and tomorrow in honor of the brothers. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have both extended their condolences, calling the loss “devastating” and “unbearable.”
The Portuguese Football Federation added: “We lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honor their legacy every day.”
As fans gather at Anfield and across Portugal to pay tribute, the legacy of Diogo Jota and André Silva will live on—not only in their achievements on the pitch but in the hearts of those who admired their passion, humility, and spirit.