July 3, 2025 – Portuguese forward Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, known to fans
as Diogo Jota, has tragically died in a car crash on the A‑52 motorway near
Cernadilla, Zamora (northwestern Spain), at approximately 00:30 CET on July 3.
He was 28. The accident also claimed the life of his younger brother, André
Filipe Teixeira da Silva, aged 25 .
Police
reports indicate the brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini (variously
described as Huracán or Aventador) when a suspected tyre blowout occurred while
overtaking, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, flip, and burst into
flames .
A Life and Career Cut Short
Jota was
born on December 4, 1996, in Porto and rose through the ranks of Paços de
Ferreira before brief stints at Atlético Madrid and Porto. He later moved to
Wolverhampton Wanderers—helping them secure Championship promotion in 2018—and
joined Liverpool in 2020 for approximately £41 million. During five years with
Liverpool, he made over 180 appearances, scoring 65 goals and winning the
Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups .
Internationally,
he earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals, and played a key role in
their UEFA Nations League victories .
Off the
pitch, Jota was a devoted family man with a wife, Rute Cardoso, and three young
children. The couple had married just ten days prior, on June 22, 2025 .
Reactions Flood In
- Liverpool FC described the loss as
"an unimaginable loss" and expressed deep support for the
family
- Jürgen Klopp, Jota’s former manager,
wrote:
“I’m heartbroken… Diogo was not only a fantastic
player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father.”
- Cristiano Ronaldo added:
“It doesn’t make sense… we just got married. To
your family, your wife and your children… Rest in Peace, Diogo and André.”
- UEFA and the Portuguese
Football Federation have announced a minute of silence for upcoming
matches—most notably ahead of the Women’s Euro game between Portugal and
Spain .
Clubs
across Europe, including Wolves, Porto, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea,
and Barcelona, also paid tribute to Jota and his brother, describing them as
extraordinary talents and cherished personalities .
Details from the Scene
Spanish
Civil Guard and emergency services responded to the crash site at kilometer 65
on the A-52. Forensic examination is ongoing . Local fans have gathered outside
Anfield to lay flowers, scarves, and jerseys, uniting in grief .
Legacy of a Rising Star
Diogo
Jota will be remembered not only for his speed, finishing ability, and
versatility on the field but also for his humility, warmth, and dedication to
family. His sudden death, only days after celebrating major personal and
professional milestones—the Premier League title, a Nations League triumph, and
his wedding—serves as a profound reminder of life’s fragility
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