Liverpool Star Diogo Jota and Younger Brother Andre Killed in Spain Crash En Route to UK Ferry
Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota tragically lost his life alongside his younger brother, Andre, after their Lamborghini crashed in northern Spain, as new details of the fatal accident emerged today.
The pair were reportedly traveling through the A-52 near Cernadilla, close to Zamora, around 10 miles into Spain from the Portuguese border, when a tire on their high-end Ā£150,000 Lamborghini Urus SUV is believed to have blown out during an overtaking maneuver. The car lost control, veered off the road, rolled, and caught fire.
The brothers were driving to the port city of Santander to board an overnight ferry to the UK. Jota had been advised not to fly due to a recent lung surgery, according to reports from Portuguese media.
The 28-year-old forward, who had just married longtime partner Rute Cardoso in Porto on June 22, was expected to report back to Liverpool for pre-season training this coming Monday. His wife, Rute ā also 28 and the mother of their three children ā had shared more wedding photos on social media just yesterday, captioning them āMy dream come true,ā to which Jota responded, āIām the lucky one.ā
A ferry operated by Brittany Ferries, scheduled to depart Santander at 4 p.m. and arrive in Plymouth at 11:15 a.m. the next day, was likely the one the brothers intended to catch.
Speaking on CNN Portugal, sports journalist Rui Loura confirmed: āDiogo had undergone lung surgery and was told to avoid air travel. Thatās why he chose to drive through Spain to Santander and take the ferry to the UK.ā
Victor Pinto, speaking on Portuguese broadcaster CMTV, added: āDiogo often chose to travel by car due to minor pulmonary issues. There is a ferry service linking northern Spain with southern England, and it was a route he was familiar with.ā
The crash happened just after midnight, at approximately 12:35 a.m. Emergency crews arrived on scene, but both brothers were pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet confirmed which of the two was behind the wheel.
Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing profound sorrow, describing the event as a āheartbreaking lossā for Jotaās loved ones and the wider football world. Fans have been gathering outside Anfield to lay flowers and pay tribute, many visibly emotional.
Jota was born Diogo Silva, later adopting the surname “Jota” to distinguish himself professionally. His brother, Andre, kept the family name and was a player for Penafiel, a club in Portugalās second division.
The two were the only children of Joaquim and Isabel Silva.
Jota played a key role in Liverpoolās Premier League-winning 2024/25 season, netting six goals in 26 matches. He was also a regular for the Portuguese national team, contributing to their recent UEFA Nations League victory against Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Cristiano Ronaldo, his teammate and friend, shared a heartfelt message today: āIt doesn
