DIOGO JOTA

1996-2025

PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Liverpool's Diogo Jota during the pre-match warm-up before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg game between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Diogo Jota dies in car crash, age 28

Diogo Jota has tragically passed away at the age of 28 following a car crash in Spain.

Jota died on Thursday morning after a traffic incident in the Spanish province of Zamora, along with his brother, Andre Silva.

Reports in Spain and Portugal stated a vehicle left the road and caused a fire on the A-52 in the province of Zamora, close to the border of Portugal.

Liverpool FC have now confirmed the news.

BBC Sport report that Jota’s brother, Andre, also died in the crash, which happened at around 00:30 local time (23:30 BST).

The car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking another car. The car set on fire, and both are confirmed to have died.

Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Porto last month, with their three young children in attendance.

The 28-year-old played 182 games for Liverpool after joining from Wolves, winning the League Cup, FA Cup and most recently the Premier League.

He was due to report back for pre-season next week, his sixth season at Liverpool.

Portugal teammate Ruben Neves has become the first player to pay tribute to his friend, writing: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”

It is tragically heartbreaking and our thoughts are with Diogo’s friends and family at this time.

Rest In Peace, Diogo Jota, 1996-2025.

DIOGO JOTA, 1996-2025

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, April 2, 2025: Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring the winning goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC, the 246th Merseyside Derby, at Anfield. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Born: December 9, 1996
Birthplace: Porto, Portugal
Clubs: Pacos de Ferreira, Atletico Madrid, Porto (loan), Wolves, Liverpool

Liverpool appearances: 182
Liverpool debut: vs. Lincoln, Sept. 24, 2020
Honours: League Cup 2022, FA Cup 2022, Premier League 2025

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Statement from Portuguese FA:

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - Wednesday, June 26, 2024: Portugal's Diogo Jota during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group F match between Georgia and Portugal at the Arena AufSchalke. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain.

Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, 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, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.

The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.

We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.

Liverpool FC Statement:

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.

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 as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

We will continue to provide them with our full support.