The football world is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, 28, who died in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning, July 3, in Spain. His younger brother, André Silva, aged 26 and also a professional footballer, was travelling with him and also lost his life. The news has sent shockwaves across Europe, not just for the scale of the tragedy, but for the devastating timing, Jota had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days earlier.

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The Accident: What We Know So Far

The fatal crash occurred at kilometre 65 on the A-52 near the town of Cernadilla, in the province of Zamora, northwest Spain. According to early reports from Spanish authorities, the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road, likely due to a tyre blowout while overtaking. The vehicle caught fire almost immediately after leaving the road. Firefighters from the nearby town of Rionegro del Puente responded quickly, but the flames were too intense to save either man. The fire also spread to nearby vegetation before being brought under control.

Tributes from Clubs, Legends, and Fans

Liverpool FC, where Diogo Jota had played since 2020, released a statement saying the club was ‘devastated’ and confirmed that both Jota and his brother had died in the crash. The statement added that ‘the club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of the family, friends and teammates of Diogo and André be respected while they come to terms with this unimaginable loss.’

Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025

Other voices from across the football community have echoed the grief. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville called the news ‘heartbreaking,’ sending love and strength to the family. Jamie Carragher, a lifelong Liverpool player, said he was ‘totally devastated’ and extended condolences to the entire club and Jota’s loved ones.

Cristiano Ronaldo posted ‘It doesn’t make sense. We were just together with the national team, you had just 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’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.’

Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025

A Life Shared On and Off the Pitch

Though Diogo Jota was the more internationally recognised name, his younger brother André Teixeira da Silva, known in football as André Silva, was forging his own career in Portuguese football. A midfielder, André had signed with FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division in 2023 and was under contract until 2026. He had previously played with Gondomar and trained in the youth systems of several top Portuguese clubs, including FC Porto, Padroense, Paços de Ferreira, and Famalicão.

The two brothers shared more than football, they shared holidays, celebrated milestones together, and were known for their strong bond. They had reportedly been in the Sanabria region to celebrate Diogo’s wedding, which took place on June 22. Just days before the accident, Diogo posted a photo from the ceremony.

• 22 de Junho de 2025 •
Sim, para sempre ♾️ pic.twitter.com/pZvQwKADgd

— Diogo Jota (@DiogoJota18) June 28, 2025

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 has confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held before all matches today and tomorrow in honour of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The official statement reads: ‘A moment of silence will be observed at all UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 matches today and tomorrow in memory of Portuguese international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota, and his brother André Silva, who tragically passed away today.’

Today’s fixtures include Spain vs Portugal and Belgium vs Italy, while tomorrow Denmark will face Sweden and Germany will play Poland.

A Career Cut Short

Diogo Jota began his senior career with Paços de Ferreira before signing with Atlético Madrid in 2016. He spent time on loan at FC Porto, then moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he truly began to stand out. In 2020, Liverpool paid €45 million for the forward, who would go on to become an important part of their attacking line-up. Known for his versatility, pressing style, and ability to score in key moments, he played 123 matches in the Premier League for Liverpool and netted 47 goals.

El Atlético de Madrid está conmocionado por la trágica noticia del fallecimiento de Diogo Jota, ex jugador del club, y su hermano André.
Enviamos nuestro más sincero pésame a su familia y seres queridos.
Descansen en paz. pic.twitter.com/MQaelutaFh

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) July 3, 2025

A Family Man First

Beyond football, Diogo Jota was admired for his grounded personality. He had been with Rute Cardoso since his youth, and together they had three young children. Friends, fans and teammates have remembered him not only as a talented player, but as a kind, hardworking and humble person who never let fame change him.

Final Farewells

FC Porto, where both brothers once played in the youth system, also released a heartfelt message: ‘The Porto Football Club is in mourning. With deep sorrow, we send our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also one of our youth players. May they both rest in peace.’

O Futebol Clube do Porto está de luto.

É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação.

Descansem em paz.#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/BXlR8v7y7Z

— FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025

As tributes continue to pour in, fans around the world are lighting candles, leaving flowers at Anfield, and sharing memories on social media. For many, the pain is not just about losing a football star, it’s about losing two young men, two brothers, who had so much ahead of them.

Main image: X/ FC Oporto