Just two months ago, Diogo Jota celebrated one of the highest points of his football career—helping Liverpool win the Premier League title. Less than two weeks later, he experienced a personal milestone, marrying his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children. However, what was shaping up to be a joyful chapter in Jota’s life has now turned into a devastating tragedy.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the football world is mourning the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, who died in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning in Spain. The incident occurred on the A-52 highway in the province of Zamora, located in the northwestern part of the country. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the fatal crash was triggered when the vehicle they were in suffered a tire blowout while attempting to overtake another vehicle. The car veered off the road and caught fire shortly afterward.
Authorities were able to identify the victims using documents recovered from the scene, along with the vehicle’s license plate. Subsequent forensic tests carried out at a morgue in Zamora officially confirmed the identities of the two brothers. Their remains have since been transferred to the nearby town of Puebla de Sanabria, where local officials are working with the family to complete the necessary procedures for their return to Portugal.
Jota, aged 28, had made a significant mark at Liverpool during his five-season spell, scoring 65 goals and collecting three major titles. His brother, André Silva, was also involved in professional football, most recently playing for Futebol Clube de Penafiel in Portugal’s second division, Liga Portugal 2.
Condolences and tributes have poured in from all over the world. High-profile figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, Prince William, and former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp have all expressed their sorrow. A public wake is expected to be held on Friday in their hometown of São Cosme, Gondomar, as fans and loved ones prepare to say their final goodbyes.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his deep sorrow following the tragic deaths of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. In a heartfelt message, Slot extended his sympathies to the grieving family, sharing in the pain and sadness felt by the footballing community.
“At moments like these,words often feel empty,” Slot began. “The shock is overwhelming, and the pain is profound. I find myself wishing I had the right words to bring comfort, but the truth is, I don’t. What I do have is an overwhelming sense of sadness and compassion that I know is shared by everyone who loved and respected Diogo and his family.”
Slot emphasized that his response was not just that of a football coach, but of someone who can relate on a personal level. “My first thoughts are not from the perspective of a manager,” he said. “They are from the heart of someone who is also a father, a brother, a son, and an uncle. My sympathy lies with those who are enduring an unimaginable loss—the family of Diogo and André.”
He also made a poignant reference to Liverpool’s iconic anthem. “To Diogo’s loved ones, I want to say clearly and sincerely: you will never walk alone.”
Reflecting on his final conversation with Jota, Slot remembered congratulating him on Portugal’s Nations League success and wishing him well ahead of his wedding. “It had been a summer full of joy for him and his family, which makes this tragedy even more painful,” he added.
Slot ended his tribute by assuring fans and family that Jota’s legacy would be honored. “When the moment feels right, we will remember Diogo—not just for his goals and his song, but as a remarkable person. His memory will live on at Anfield and beyond.”
Following the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, the remains of both men were transported on Thursday afternoon from Zamora, the provincial capital in northwestern Spain, to the nearby town of Puebla de Sanabria. This information was provided by a source close to the sub-delegate of the Spanish government in Zamora, according to reports from CNN.
Responsibility for the ongoing investigation has now been handed over to a local magistrate from the Court of First Instance and Investigation, who will oversee all legal proceedings connected to the accident.
Authorities were able to identify the victims shortly after the crash. Identification was initially made possible through personal documents recovered at the site of the collision, in addition to the vehicle’s license plate. Forensic experts later conducted additional examinations at a morgue in Zamora to formally confirm the identities of the two brothers, CNN Portugal reported.
The remains were held at the forensic medical facility from the early hours of Thursday until around 3 p.m. local time, at which point they were transferred to Puebla de Sanabria. The players’ family members are currently in the town to complete the necessary legal and administrative processes required to release the remains and bring them home to Portugal.
Plans for a wake have been announced and are expected to take place on Friday in São Cosme, the brothers’ hometown in Gondomar, Portugal. The service is anticipated to be attended by family, friends, fans, and members of the football community, who continue to mourn the devastating loss.
Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United midfielder and former teammate of Diogo Jota on the Portuguese national team, added his voice to the many tributes pouring in from across the football world in honor of Jota and his brother, André Silva.
In an emotional message shared via his Instagram Stories, Fernandes expressed his sorrow and disbelief at the sudden loss. “A friend, a teammate, and someone I’ve shared countless battles with,” he wrote. “It’s hard to grasp how someone can be taken from us so unexpectedly.”
He continued by offering a heartfelt farewell to the two brothers, writing, “I hope you and your brother find the peace you deserve, and may you watch over your loved ones from above. You were taken far too soon.”
Fernandes concluded his tribute by extending his deepest sympathies to the entire family of the late brothers, saying, “My thoughts and condolences are with all of your family during this incredibly painful time.”
