Sports news: Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has been declared dead after a fatal car crash in Spain. The 28-year-old Portuguese was traveling in a car with his 26-year-old brother, Andre Felipe, who plays for the Penafiel football club in Portugal. The incident occurred early morning on Thursday in Zamora. The footballer was a regular inclusion for his club in England. Their death was confirmed by the Spanish Civil Guard. Jota, the father of three, recently got married to his teenage love, Rute Cardoso.
How did the tragedy happen?
As per the initial investigation, Jota and Andre were traveling overnight on the A52 highway, through the municipality of Cernadilla. The local media suggests that the tire of their Lamborghini might have burst while trying to overtake. This caused the vehicle to go off-road and catch flames, resulting in a severe car crash. The tragedy was reported by the Spanish Civil Guard, Zamora Provincial Council Fire Department, and the Emergency Medical Unit. The two brothers were declared dead thereafter.
The Portugal Football Federation expresses grief.
Following the death of two Portuguese footballers, the federations said they have already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence this Thursday, before the team's match against Spain in the Women's European Championship. "We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honor their legacy every day," said the federation.
The Portuguese football association president, Pedro Proença, said that the Portuguese football federation and the entire community are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. "Much more than a fantastic footballer, Jota was an extraordinary person," said Proenca.
Jota in Liverpool
Jota was bought for 44.7 million euros from Wolverhampton to Liverpool. Since then, he has represented the side in 182 games and has scored 65 goals. The forward has also assisted 25 times. He has won three titles with the Reds, including the Premier League (2024-25), the FA Cup (2021-22), and the League Cup title (2021-22.)
