Police announced on Thursday that Diogo Jota, a forward for Liverpool F.C., and his brother perished in a car accident in Spain.
The Spanish Civil Guard reported that Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, were discovered deceased following an incident that occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time in Cernadilla, within the western province of Zamora.
“A vehicle veered off the road, and all indications point to a tire bursting during an overtaking maneuver. As a consequence of the collision, the car caught fire, and both individuals were killed,” a police statement further elaborated.
Spain’s EFE news agency stated that autopsies are scheduled to be performed on the Portuguese players.
Jota had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso less than two weeks prior, and in a message, she had written, “Yes, to forever.” The couple share three young children.
Liverpool F.C. expressed its devastation on Thursday regarding Jota’s passing. Just a month earlier, the club had been vying for a record-equaling 20th championship.
Jota also represented Portugal’s national team, helping them secure the UEFA Nations League title last month, while Silva played for the Portuguese club Penafiel. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) conveyed its “immense pain” upon learning of their deaths.
FPF President Pedro Proença stated in a release that the federation has requested a minute of silence before Thursday’s game between Portugal and Spain at the Women’s European Championship.
Jota made 182 appearances for Liverpool F.C., netting 65 goals and clinching four major trophies, including the most recent English Premier League title. He previously played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Spanish side Atletico Madrid, and Portuguese teams Paços de Ferreira and F.C. Porto, his birthplace.
“FC Porto is in mourning,” the club posted on X. “It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who also represented our club in the youth ranks.”
