The world of football is in shock following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André, in a devastating car accident in Spain.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after midnight on Wednesday, July 3, on the A-52 motorway near the town of Cernadilla, in the province of Zamora, Castile and León. According to initial reports from police sources, the Lamborghini in which the two brothers were travelling suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The car lost control, veered off the road, and caught fire upon impact.
The vehicle was travelling in the direction of Madrid when the accident took place. The blaze quickly spread to the surrounding low vegetation, complicating the efforts of emergency responders.
Tragically, both Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his 26-year-old brother André were killed instantly. Their bodies were discovered severely burned by rescue teams and firefighters who arrived at the scene.
Local Spanish media broadcast exclusive footage from the crash site, showing the charred remains of the luxury sports car—a twisted mass of scorched metal and debris scattered across the roadside.
Jota, known for his energy, skill, and commitment on the pitch, was a key player for Liverpool and the Portuguese national team. His sudden death has sent waves of grief throughout the footballing world, with fans, teammates, and clubs expressing their sorrow and condolences.
His younger brother, André, was a professional footballer playing in Portugal’s second division with Penafiel. He previously featured for Beira-Mar.
The loss of both brothers in such tragic circumstances marks a dark moment for the sport, as tributes continue to pour in from across the globe.
A Life and Career Cut Short
Diogo Jota had only recently married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple shared three children together: Deni (born 2021), Duarte (2023), and their youngest daughter, born in 2024.
Born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Jota began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira at the age of 17. Two years later, he was signed by Atlético Madrid, who later loaned him to FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. His performances at Wolves were impressive enough that the English club made the move permanent, activating a purchase clause from the Spanish side.
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In September 2020, Liverpool acquired Jota for £45 million, making him a key part of their attacking rotation. Trusted by then-manager Jürgen Klopp as a starting striker, Jota contributed consistently, though his appearances were somewhat limited under current manager Arne Slot due to injuries. Despite that, he managed to score six goals in 26 Premier League appearances last season.
During his time at Liverpool, he won a Premier League title (2025), an FA Cup (2022), and two EFL Cups (2022, 2024). In total, he made 182 appearances for the club and scored 65 goals. Internationally, Jota earned 50 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal. He was part of the national team that celebrated two UEFA Nations League titles.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) issued a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow and pledged to honor the legacy of the Jota brothers.
