The tragic deaths of Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 25, in a high-speed car crash in Zamora, Spain, on July 3 has left the global football world and Portugal in deep shock. The brothers were returning home from a brief trip to Madrid when their vehicle suffered a tyre blowout, veered off the road, and burst into flames. Both died at the scene.
Diogo Jota, a key figure for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, had just returned from international duty at UEFA Euro 2024 and was widely seen as entering the peak of his career. Just 11 days earlier, he had married his longtime partner, and was preparing for a new season full of promise.
“Two young people die in an accident on the A-52 (Palacios de Sanabria). The Rionegro del Puente Fire Station (Northern Zone of the @DiputacionZA Consortium) responds,” Zamora’s Provincial Council said in an official statement.
“The vehicle caught fire, and the flames spread to the vegetation. They were 28 and 26 years old. RIP.”
Football world responds with outpouring of grief
The football world responded with an outpouring of grief. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s Portugal teammate, wrote on social media: “It makes no sense. We were just together with the national team (they won the Nations League title last month), you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said: “Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. You meant so much to all of us and you always will. My heart is breaking.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “Aged 28, Diogo has enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at FC Penafiel – they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community.”
Liverpool said Jota’s death is a “tragedy that transcends” the club, while fans gathered outside Anfield to lay tributes.
Current Liverpool manager Arne Slot called the accident an “unimaginable loss.”
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who when he was Liverpool manager signed Jota in 2020, wrote a moving tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Klopp, who coached Jota for four seasons at Liverpool, said on Thursday he was “heartbroken” by the news “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!” Klopp posted on Instagram. “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to [Diogo’s wife] Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace — Love.”
Gondomar: A hometown in mourning
As Jota’s body arrived in Gondomar on July 3, thousands gathered along the quiet streets to pay their respects. Outside Gondomar Sport Club, where the brothers began their football journey, fans laid flowers, lit candles, and draped scarves across the gates. A minute of applause broke the silence as the hearse passed through Capela da Ressurreição, marking a moment of collective grief.
A career of quiet brilliance
Jota’s professional journey began at Paços de Ferreira, before moving to Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, and Wolverhampton Wanderers — but it was at Liverpool, where he joined in 2020, that he flourished. Known for his sharp instinct, versatility, and relentless pressing, he became a central figure in Klopp’s squad, contributing to the club’s Premier League and Champions League runs.
He also represented Portugal at major tournaments, including Euro 2020, World Cup 2022, and Euro 2024. Former national coach Fernando Santos remarked: “He gave Portugal not only goals, but heart. He never shied from pressure, and he never forgot where he came from.”
Tributes from the world of football
Players and coaches from across the globe paid their respects. Kylian Mbappé has published a message on his account Instagram. “My sincere condolences. My support and my thoughts go to people involved, their families and their loved ones. Rest in peace Diogo and André ”.
Looking ahead: A legacy of inspiration
As Portugal prepares for a national day of remembrance and the Parliament drafts a motion of condolence, many are already calling for Gondomar’s main football stadium to be renamed in Jota’s honour.
More than a footballer, Diogo Jota was a symbol of what passion, humility, and hard work could achieve. His legacy will not be measured only in goals, but in the generations of players who saw in him a reason to believe.
Jota is survived by his wife and three children. Diogo José Teixeira da Silva was born in Gondomar, a suburb of Porto, on December 4 1996 to Joaquim and Isabel Silva.
