LIVERPPOL forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash, aged 28.
The Portugal forward’s brother Andre Silva also died in the accident, which took place in the Spanish province of Zamora.
The 25-year-old was also a professional footballer, with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.
The Guardia Civil has told BBC Sport that Jota and his brother died at about 00:30 local time on Thursday.
They said that their car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire.
Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just 11 days ago.
He recently posted pictures on social media, external of the ceremony, which took place on 22 June.
Liverpool said they “are devastated” at the loss of Jota, who they signed from Wolves for £41m in 2020.
He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds, helping them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 and the Premier League title last season.
Jota moved to Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2017, initially on a season-long loan before making the switch permanent, and he went on to score 44 goals in 131 appearances across his three seasons with the club.
“We are heartbroken,” read a Wolves statement. “Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him.
“The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother.”
Jota, who made his international debut in 2019, played his final match for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League on 8 June. He scored 14 goals in 49 appearances.
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” read a FPF statement.
“Much more than an amazing player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”
European football’s governing body Uefa has confirmed there will be a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Euro 2025 game against Spain on Thursday.
Jota began his professional career with Pacos de Ferreira before joining Atletico Madrid in 2016 and he spent the 2016-17 season on loan with Porto, where his brother was a youth player.
“FC Porto is in mourning,” read a club statement.
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Rest in peace.”
After leaving Porto in 2017, Andre Silva spent time with the youth academies at three other Portuguese clubs before joining Gondomar in 2021.
He signed for Penafiel on a free transfer in 2023 and made 59 league appearances over the past two seasons.
Andre Silva, pictured here with his brother Diogo at Porto, was a youth player for the side between 2011 and 2017
Portugal’s prime minister Luis Montenegro said: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas, who is now club president at Porto added: “This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people.
“Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football but also for their personal and human qualities.
“To the family and friends of Diogo and Andre, still devastated by the injustice of their untimely loss, I offer my condolences. Football has lost two great men.”
