The football world was stunned today by the heartbreaking news that Diogo Jota, the 28-year-old forward for Liverpool and Portugal, and his brother André Silva, 25, have both died in a fatal car accident on Spain’s A-52 motorway
The Accident
According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the accident occurred after midnight near Cernadilla, km 64. The brothers were driving to Santander to catch a ferry back to England for pre-season training, following medical advice that Jota should avoid flying due to recent lung surgery. Their Lamborghini Huracán suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and veered off the road, resulting in a crash that caused the car to catch fire. Emergency services confirmed both men died at the scene.
Career & Legacy
Since joining Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jota had become a key player, known for his versatility and goal-scoring prowess. He helped the team win the Premier League and was capped over 40 times for Portugal. His unexpected passing, along with his brother’s, has left fans and teammates devastatef.
Heartfelt Tributes
Clubs around the world paid tribute. Liverpool stated they were “devastated by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota” and mourned his brother too. Real Madrid observed a moment’s silence during their Club World Cup training session in the USA, as did other teams such as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. UEFA also confirmed a minute’s silence at a Women’s Euros match between Spain and Portugal
Mourning a Family Man
Just 10 days before the tragedy, Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple had three young children. His sudden loss is being felt deeply, not only as a loss of athletic talent, but of a beloved husband, father, brother, and teammate