By Ameh Gabriel
Liverpool FC forward and Portuguese international Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car accident in northern Spain, just two weeks after marrying his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. He was 28.
The fatal crash also claimed the life of his younger brother, André Silva, 26, a fellow footballer. The two were reportedly traveling together when their vehicle veered off the A-52 motorway in Zamora province, crashed, and erupted in flames.
Jota, who only days ago had shared his joy about beginning a new chapter with his wife and their three children, had described himself in a recent interview as “the luckiest man in the world.”
Emergency services in the Castilla y León region confirmed the devastating details, stating that the vehicle went up in flames after leaving the road in the municipality of Cernadilla. First responders, including the Zamora Traffic Police, fire brigade, and emergency medical personnel, arrived at the scene but were unable to save the two occupants.
Jota had been seen just weeks earlier celebrating his wedding and Liverpool’s Premier League triumph with his family on the Anfield pitch.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement by its president, Pedro Proença.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are deeply shaken by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva,” Proença said. “Diogo was not only an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for our national team, but also a remarkable human being admired by teammates, respected by rivals, and beloved by fans.”
The FPF has requested a minute’s silence to be observed ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Women’s European Championship match against Spain on Thursday in tribute to the fallen players.
“We have lost two champions,” Proença added. “Their passing leaves an unfillable void in Portuguese football. We will continue to honor their memory and legacy every day.”
Liverpool FC and fans around the world have begun to mourn the loss of a player remembered for his spirit, professionalism, and passion on and off the pitch.
