Portuguese soccer player Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother, Andre Silva, 26, died in a car crash in Spain early Thursday morning, just 11 days after Jota’s wedding, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
According to local authorities, the crash occurred shortly after midnight near Zamora in northwestern Spain. The vehicle, a Lamborghini, reportedly veered off the road while overtaking another car.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones.
May they rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/TDJcDx3OiI [2]
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) July 3, 2025 [3]
Investigators believe a tire may have blown out before the crash, causing the vehicle to lose control and burst into flames.
Jota and Silva, both professional soccer players from Portugal, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were transferred to a forensic unit in Zamora for autopsies, police said.
Jota had recently celebrated his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple, together for more than a decade, shared three children.
In an Instagram post following the ceremony, Jota described the day as “a day we will never forget.” His wife posted several wedding photos with the caption, “Yes to forever.”
In life you never have certainty & at time like this football has no colours. Incredibly tragic news & beyond words 😔
R.I.P. Diogo Jota & his brother Andre Silva 😔😔 pic.twitter.com/2nBNIIXIGR [4]
— Rick 😊 (@rgrodgers) July 3, 2025 [5]
Jota joined Liverpool Football Club in 2020 and was instrumental in the team’s success over the past four seasons. He helped the Premier League side win the league title, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup.
Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion… pic.twitter.com/KG4coUHY1P [6]
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 3, 2025 [7]
Prior to his time at Liverpool, he played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and started his professional career with Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal.
In 182 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, Jota scored 65 goals. His death marks a significant loss for both his club and the Portuguese national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Diogo Jota 🙏🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/3CqSO9qP6i [8]
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 3, 2025 [9]
Andre Silva, Jota’s brother, also played professional soccer in Portugal. Details about his club career have not yet been released.
Fans are leaving tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield.
YNWA ❤️ pic.twitter.com/H5FNcPBOqK [10]
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 3, 2025 [11]
In a statement, the Portuguese Football Federation said the country had “lost two champions” and pledged to honor their legacy. “Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honor their legacy every day,” the federation stated.
🇵🇹 Portuguese Football Federation: “We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.” 💔 pic.twitter.com/BuhEoySRBj [12]
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 3, 2025 [13]
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also responded to the news. “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored the name of Portugal, and his brother, is unexpected and tragic,” he posted on X. “I offer my most sincere condolences to his family.”
Liverpool FC and the Premier League have not yet issued formal statements.