Portuguese international and Liverpool FC winger Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 following a car accident in Spain’s Zamora province, confirmed by the Portuguese Football Association. The accident occurred on the A-52 near Sanabria, when the vehicle veered off the road and caught fire. Jota’s brother, André Silva—also a professional footballer playing for Penafiel—was with him and also died at the scene.
The Portuguese FA expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident an “irreparable loss” and vowing to honor both players’ legacy.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning in Spain,” the Portuguese FA said in a statement on Thursday.
FC Porto, where Jota once played on loan, also paid tribute, expressing shock and condolences to the families:
“Porto Football Club is in mourning,” the club said in a post on X. “It is with shock and deep regret that we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth categories.”
Born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva in Porto, he became known as Diogo Jota during his youth career to distinguish himself from similarly named players. His rise began after a 2016 transfer to Atlético Madrid, followed by a successful spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and later Liverpool FC in 2020.
Jota scored six goals and provided three assists in the 2024–25 Premier League season, helping Liverpool secure their 20th league title. His honors with the club include an FA Cup and an EFL Cup. On the international stage, he earned 49 caps, scored 14 goals, and helped Portugal win two UEFA Nations League titles.
He recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22. The couple had three children.
