A talented attacker, Jota attracted interest from several leading European clubs before transferring from England’s Wolverhampton Wanderers to Liverpool in 2020 for a total fee of $61.5 million.
Diogo Jota, the renowned Portuguese soccer player who recently helped Liverpool Football Club win the English Premier League, has died in a car accident, authorities confirmed Thursday.
Liverpool released a statement saying it was “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.”
According to the Guardia Civil, the 28-year-old and his brother, André Silva, 25 — also a professional footballer — were killed when their vehicle crashed in the Zamora region at 12:30 a.m.
“Although expert analysis has not yet been concluded, all indications suggest the vehicle veered off the road due to a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver,” police said. The car then caught fire, and both occupants were killed in the crash, the statement added.
The Portuguese national team honored Jota in a message posted on X.
“More than just an outstanding footballer, with nearly 50 appearances for Portugal, Diogo Jota was an exceptional human being — admired by teammates and rivals alike, known for his infectious energy and a true pillar in his community,” the statement read.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s teammate on the national team, shared his shock on Instagram: “This makes no sense. We were just together with the National Team, and you had just gotten married.”
According to Jota’s social media posts, he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, just ten days ago. The couple share three children.
“We have lost two champions. The deaths of Diogo and André Silva are profound and irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football. We are committed to honoring their legacy every single day,” read a statement from the Portuguese national team.
A dynamic forward known for his speed, balance, and dribbling skills, Jota drew interest from several elite European clubs before making a £45 million ($61.5 million) move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Liverpool in 2020.
Before his time in the Premier League, Jota played for Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira and Spain’s Atlético Madrid. FC Porto, another of his former clubs, said it was grieving his loss.
Several former Liverpool players, including Jamie Carragher and Stan Collymore, shared tributes to Jota.
“Like so many in the football world, I feel deep shock, sorrow, and disbelief at the tragic news of Diogo Jota’s passing at just 28. And newly married as well,” Collymore posted on X.
