Football Star Diogo Jota and His Brother André Silva Die in Tragic Crash

The football world is heartbroken after the tragic deaths of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva. Both lost their lives in a car crash in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, near Zamora, Spain.

Diogo, 28, and André, 25, were traveling in a Lamborghini on the A-52 highway when the car veered off the road and caught fire. Spanish authorities said the cause was likely a burst tire during an overtaking attempt, but speeding is also being investigated. Officials later confirmed their identities through documents and car registration details.

Just two weeks before the accident, Diogo had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. He leaves behind his wife and their three young children, including a baby. The couple had driven instead of flying due to Jota’s recent lung surgery, planning to take a ferry from Santander to the UK for pre-season training.

The news shocked fans and fellow athletes around the world. A funeral was held on Saturday, July 5, at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church near Porto, following a wake the day before. Many figures from football—including Liverpool teammates, Portuguese stars like Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, and former coach Jürgen Klopp—attended. Cristiano Ronaldo did not go but privately reached out to Jota’s wife, offering his full support.

Jota’s Life and Career

Diogo Jota was known for his speed, smart movement, and natural finishing. Starting at Paços de Ferreira, he rose through the ranks at Wolves before joining Liverpool for £45 million in 2020. In five years at the club, he scored 65 goals, helped win the Premier League, two EFL Cups, and an FA Cup. Just this year, he helped Liverpool win another league title and scored key goals—including the winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton.

Jota also made a big mark for Portugal, earning 49 caps and winning the UEFA Nations League in both 2019 and 2025. André, his brother, was a forward for Penafiel in Liga Portugal 2, with 12 goals and 10 assists in 105 matches.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Jota not just for his football but for the person he was, saying, “We will remember his goals and celebrate him in time, but for now we mourn a special human being.”

A Loss Felt Far Beyond Football

Tributes poured in from across the sports world. NBA star LeBron James and even UK royalty, Prince William, expressed their sadness. Fans gathered outside Anfield with flowers and shirts, and messages of love flooded social media.

Diogo Jota and André Silva were not only great players—they were sons, brothers, husbands, and friends. Their story is a heartbreaking reminder of how precious life is. They will never be forgotten.