Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, have tragically died in a car crash in Spain. The 28-year-old footballer and his younger brother were traveling in Jota’s Lamborghini when a tire burst as they overtook another vehicle near the city of Zamora, according to a statement from Spanish police. The car left the road and burst into flames.
The incident occurred less than two weeks after Jota married his long-time partner, with whom he shares three children. The news has sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond.
Reactions from the Football World
The football world is mourning the loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva. Soccer superstar and fellow Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo expressed disbelief, stating, “It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you’d only just got married.”
Jota’s brother André, who died alongside him, was also a footballer, playing for Penafiel in the Portuguese second division. The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement saying, “We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honor their legacy every day.”
“We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.” — Portuguese Football Federation
Legacy and Achievements
Diogo Jota was a celebrated player, having won the English Premier League with Liverpool FC this season, scoring six times in 26 appearances. His move to Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in 2020 was a significant career milestone, with Jota scoring a total of 65 goals in 182 games for the club. He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League.
Liverpool FC expressed their devastation at the news, requesting privacy for the family. “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and 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,” the club stated.
“Diogo, I can’t believe you’re gone. It’s hard to put into words how much this hurts us.” — Harvey Elliott, Liverpool Teammate
Tributes and Mourning
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Liverpool midfielder Ruben Neves said, “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.” Teammate Harvey Elliott described Jota as a “humble, hardworking, and kind footballer.”
Flowers and tributes have been left outside Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium, as fans and fellow players mourn the loss. The Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro remarked that the athlete “greatly honoured Portugal’s name,” calling it a “sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
“Portuguese football is devastated. Diogo was what we all want to be, was a reference for Portuguese football.” — Pedri Proenca, President of the Portuguese Football Federation
Investigation and Future Implications
The crash site near Cernadilla, Spain, shows a burned patch of grass, a stark reminder of the tragedy. As investigations continue, it remains unclear why the brothers were traveling on the A-52 road near Zamora. The Premier League has expressed shock and devastation at the news.
UEFA announced that a minute’s silence will be observed at all of Thursday’s and Friday’s matches at the Women’s Euros in Switzerland to honor the brothers. The loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva is a significant blow to the football community, and their legacy will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and players alike.
As the world of football comes to terms with this tragic loss, the focus now turns to honoring the memory of two young athletes who left an indelible mark on the sport.
