The football world is in mourning following the tragic deaths of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident in Spain early Thursday morning. Both men died at the scene of the incident, which occurred on the A52 near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. According to local police, the car they were in crashed after a tire burst while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
Diogo Jota, aged 28, had recently married his long-term partner and is survived by their three children. A prominent player for Portugal with 49 caps and 14 goals, he also won the Premier League title with Liverpool in April. His brother, Andre, was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in the Portuguese second division.
In a mark of respect, a minute`s silence will be observed at all matches during the Women`s European Championships on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal`s game against Spain. Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, expressed the community`s devastation: “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning.”
Proenca added, “Beyond being an exceptional player… Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all… someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community. On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel… We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.”
Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro shared his condolences via social media, describing the news as “unexpected and tragic.” He extended his “deepest condolences” to the family, calling it “a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Liverpool Club Devastated
Tributes quickly appeared outside Anfield, with flowers and cards left by grieving fans referencing popular chants for Jota. Liverpool Football Club released a statement expressing their devastation: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”
The club requested privacy for the family and friends during this unimaginable loss, stating, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre`s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected… We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Teammate Stefan Bajcetic was among the first to pay tribute, posting on Instagram: “you will be remembered my friend” alongside a photo of the two training together.
Anfield legends also shared their grief. Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports News he was “in a state of shock,” finding it unbelievable and devastating for the family and everyone involved. Former captain Steven Gerrard offered “condolences to his family and friends.” Liverpool minority owner and NBA star LeBron James also sent his prayers: “My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”
Andre Silva`s club, Penafiel, released a statement expressing their pain and consternation at the loss of two young lives linked to football. They extended sincere condolences and announced official mourning and tributes at upcoming sporting events.
Remembered by FC Porto
Both brothers had ties to FC Porto. Diogo spent a season on loan there, while Andre came through their youth ranks. FC Porto stated they were “in mourning,” sending “heartfelt condolences” to the family and friends, remembering Andre as a former youth athlete.
Club president Andre-Villas Boas called it a “moment of profound dismay,” highlighting that both men represented FC Porto “in an exemplary manner” and would be remembered for their football and human qualities. He offered condolences to the grieving family, stating, “Football has lost two great men. We are left with the honor of them having represented FC Porto.”
On the international stage, Jota was a valued member of the Portugal squad. Teammate Cristiano Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute on social media: “It doesn`t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Fellow international Ruben Neves also paid tribute, saying, “They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Before Liverpool, Jota was a fan favorite at Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping them achieve Premier League promotion and success. Wolves expressed their heartbreak: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.” They extended their hearts to the family, adding, “You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
