Wikipedia
Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota has died following a fatal car crash in Spain, according to a report released by Spanish police. The 27-year-old footballer was involved in the tragic accident in the early hours of Thursday morning on the A-52 highway in Zamora, a province in the autonomous region of Castile and León.
Local authorities said the crash occurred shortly after midnight. The regional fire department of Castile and León confirmed on its website that the vehicle, which had gone off the road, burst into flames. Emergency responders found two male occupants deceased at the scene — identified as Diogo Jota, 27, and his younger brother, André, 25, who was also a professional footballer.
Portugal’s public broadcaster TVE reported that Jota and his brother had been traveling together when the car veered off the highway. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The devastating incident comes just two weeks after Jota celebrated his wedding to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony held in his native Portugal.
Jota, a widely admired figure in both English and international football, joined Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a transfer fee of £45 million ($61.5 million). During his time at Anfield, Jota made a significant impact, featuring in 182 matches across all competitions. He scored 65 goals and contributed 22 assists, establishing himself as a key player under manager Jürgen Klopp.
On the international stage, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, playing a vital role in the national team’s successes. He was twice part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy.
News of his sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief across the football world. Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, confirmed the tragedy on Thursday in a post on social media platform X.
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic,” Montenegro wrote. “I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Tributes have also begun pouring in from teammates, clubs, and fans worldwide, remembering Jota not only for his on-field achievements but also for his humility and dedication off the pitch. Liverpool FC has yet to issue a formal statement, though supporters and football figures continue to share their shock and sorrow across social media.
Jota’s death marks a heartbreaking loss for the global football community, cutting short the life and career of one of the sport’s most talented and respected figures.
