MADRID (AP) – Diogo Jota, a player for Liverpool, and his brother have tragically died in a car accident in Spain, as confirmed by police on Thursday. The Spanish Civil Guard reported that the brothers were found dead after their Lamborghini veered off a road near the city of Zamora around midnight local time, leading to a fire that engulfed the vehicle.
Authorities stated that firefighters were deployed to manage the flames, which began to spread into nearby vegetation. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident, and officials noted that no other vehicles were involved. Forensic analysis of the bodies is currently being conducted.
Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, both hailing from Portugal, were critically injured in the accident. Jota's death comes shortly after he celebrated his marriage to Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children, the youngest born just last year.
A prominent player for the Portugal national team, Jota recently contributed to their victory in the Nations League last month. His brother, Silva, played for Penafiel, a club in the lower divisions of Portuguese football.
The Liverpool Football Club expressed its devastation over the news, stating, "Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and helped the club secure three major trophies, including the Premier League title in the previous season. The Portuguese Football Federation also issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss, with President Pedro Proença expressing that Portuguese football is "completely devastated." He described Jota not only as a fantastic player, boasting nearly 50 appearances for the national team but also as an extraordinary person who brought joy to others and served as a role model in his community.
In honor of the brothers, the Portuguese Federation announced a minute of silence during the Women’s European Championship match between Portugal and Spain, which was taking place in Switzerland. Proença lamented, "We lost two champions," recognizing the irreparable loss their deaths represent for Portuguese soccer and pledging to honor their legacy.
Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, also addressed the tragic incident, highlighting that Jota was an athlete who "greatly honored Portugal’s name." He offered his condolences to the grieving family and remarked that it was a profoundly sad day for soccer and for both national and international sports communities.
The broader soccer world has begun to react to the devastating news, with former clubs and teammates expressing their sympathies. UEFA shared its condolences, stating that their thoughts are with the family and friends deeply affected by this heartbreaking loss.
In summary, the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva has sent shockwaves through the soccer community, reflecting their significant contributions to the sport and the love held for them by fans, colleagues, and fellow players alike.
