Liverpool forward Diogo Jota dies aged 28 following tragic car accident in Spain

Jota, 28, and his brother Andre, also a professional footballer, both died shortly after midnight on Thursday when the vehicle they were travelling in came off the motorway in the municipality of Cernadilla, in the province of Zamora in the north west of Spain. Spain's Civil Guard told the BBC the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini, which left the road and caught fire due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.

Witnesses, who called Spain's emergency services, told the media they saw the car burst into flames, which spread to nearby vegetation. Jota, 28, married his partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple had three children. The Liverpool forward's brother Andre, aged 26, was also a professional footballer. He played for Portuguese second division side Penafiel.

Jota, 28, joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 in a £41m transfer. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds. He scored six times last season to help Arne Slot's side win the Premier League title. He also lifted the FA Cup, Community Shield and the Carabao Cup twice with Liverpool. Jota played 49 times for Portugal and last month featured in the UEFA Nations League final victory over Spain.

Liverpool wrote:" Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

"We will continue to provide them with our full support."

The Portuguese football federation said it was "utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain. Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community."

The Premier League's X account wrote: "Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club."

Manchester United, amongst countless other clubs, sent tributes, with theirs reading: "Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news."

UEFA's official account wrote: "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."

Manchester City said: "Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo."

Jota's former Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: "It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, and 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 André. We will all miss you."

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher wrote on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids.”

Ex-Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville said in a social media post: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”

Jota's former manager, Jurgen Klopp, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: This is a moment where I struggle!

"There must be a bigger purpose!

"But I can’t see it!

"I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André.

"Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!

"We will miss you so much!

UEFA have confirmed that that a minute's silence will take place before all of Thursday and Friday's Women's European Championship games.

They said: "A moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva who tragically passed away today."