Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Dies at 28 in Tragic Car Crash in Spain
By Victor, Newsfill
July 3, 2025
Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in northwestern Spain, just 10 days after marrying his childhood sweetheart. The 28-year-old footballer was traveling with his younger brother, André Silva, 26, when their vehicle veered off the road near Zamora, bursting into flames. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the football world, prompting an outpouring of grief from teammates, rivals, and global sports figures.
How the Accident Happened
According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time on the A-52 highway in Cernadilla, Zamora. Initial investigations suggest that the car, reportedly a Lamborghini, suffered a burst rear tire while overtaking, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then left the road, flipped, and caught fire, with the flames spreading to nearby vegetation. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but both Jota and his brother were pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved .
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| Diogo Jota Accident Scene |
Jota had been on holiday in Spain following his recent wedding to Rute Cardoso on June 22, a joyous occasion he celebrated on social media, writing, "I’m the lucky one." The couple, who met in high school and had been together since 2013, leave behind three young children.
Football World Mourns a Fallen Star
The news of Jota’s death prompted immediate tributes from across the sporting world.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain and Jota’s international teammate, posted an emotional message on X:
"It does not make sense. We were only just together in the national team, you had only just got married. I send my condolences and all the strength in the world to your family, to your wife and to your children. I know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.".
Liverpool FC released a statement calling the loss "unimaginable" and requested privacy for Jota’s grieving family. The club’s flags at Liverpool Town Hall were lowered to half-mast in his honor.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jota’s former club, where he helped secure promotion to the Premier League, said:
"Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates, and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten."
Portugal’s Prime Minister, LuÃs Montenegro, described the tragedy as "unexpected and heartbreaking," while UEFA announced a minute of silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain .
Even beyond football, NBA legend LeBron James a minority owner of Liverpool through Fenway Sports Group, shared his grief:
"My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!" .
A Career Cut Short
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, was instrumental in the Reds’ Premier League title win last season, contributing six goals and four assists in 26 appearances. Over his career, he won two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal (2019, 2025), the FA Cup, League Cup, and Championship with Wolves. Known for his infectious energy and humility, he was beloved by fans and teammates alike .
A Legacy Beyond Football
Beyond his on-field success, Jota was a devoted family man and a beloved figure in his community. His sudden death has left a void not just in football but in the lives of those who knew him personally. As tributes continue to pour in, the world remembers a player whose talent was matched only by his kindness.
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| Diogo Jota, Wife and Son |
Rest in peace, Diogo Jota (1996–2025).
This story has been compiled from multiple verified sources, including CNN, The Guardian, ESPN, and Reuters.
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