Breaking: Liverpool FC Star Diogo Jota Killed in Spain Car Crash
Tragic news has struck Liverpool FC as Portuguese forward Diogo Jota lost his life in a car accident in Spain. The 28-year-old footballer’s life came to an abrupt end. The deadly crash happened near Zamora in northwestern Spain around 12:30 am. His Lamborghini’s tire blew out while overtaking on the A-52 highway, causing the vehicle to roll off the road and burst into flames.
Jota’s death came just days after his wedding to Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, on June 28. The talented forward’s career at Liverpool began in 2020 after his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he went on to score 65 goals in 182 appearances [-4]. His time at Anfield proved to be a soaring win as he helped the team clinch the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season. Jota’s international career was equally impressive with 49 caps for Portugal’s national team and two UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025 [-5].
Diogo Jota Dies Two Weeks After Wedding to Rute Cardoso
Image Source: Catalunya Diari
Liverpool FC forward’s tragic death came just two weeks after what should have been the happiest day of his life. Diogo Jota married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso in Porto on June 22, 2025. Close family and friends gathered for their intimate ceremony.
Jota and Rute shared their happiness on social media. He posted a video of their special day with the caption “A day we will never forget 🤍”. Rute posted photos from their celebration and wrote “June 22, 2025 • Yes to forever ♾️”. Jota’s response to her post was touching: “I’m the lucky one”.
Their love story started back in 2013 during their teenage years in Portugal. They met at school and built a beautiful family that has three children:
- Dinis, born in February 2021
- Duarte, born in March 2023
- A third child born in December 2024
Jota described himself as the “luckiest man in the world” in an interview right before his death. These words now carry extra weight after the tragic events.
The fatal accident took both Jota’s life and his brother André Silva’s, who was 26. Silva played professionally for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.
This sudden tragedy shocked the football community, especially coming right after such joyful celebrations. Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore expressed the “profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief” at Jota’s death at “the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too”.
Piers Morgan called it “desperately sad news” and found it “heart-breaking” that the star died so soon after his wedding.
How Diogo Jota Rose to Stardom in European Football
Image Source: The Liverpool Offside
Diogo Jota started his football trip in Porto, Portugal, where he was born on December 4, 1996. His professional career began at Paços de Ferreira in 2014, where he quickly emerged as a promising talent. His impressive performances in Portugal’s top flight earned him a five-year contract with Atlético Madrid in 2016.
Life had different plans for Jota as he returned to Portugal on loan with FC Porto instead of staying in Madrid. This move helped his growth as a player, and he scored eight goals in 27 appearances during the 2016-17 season.
The Portuguese forward’s career took off when he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan in 2017. Jota became essential to Wolves’ promotion campaign and scored 17 goals as they won the Championship title in 2017-18. His clinical finishing and quick adaptation to British football showed his true potential.
Liverpool saw Jota’s talent and signed him in September 2020 for £41 million, with possible add-ons raising it to £45 million. The investment paid off quickly as he scored on his Premier League debut against Arsenal.
Jota made history by becoming Liverpool’s first player to score in each of his first four home Premier League matches. His achievements continued when he scored the club’s 10,000th goal during a Champions League match against Midtjylland.
Jota’s Liverpool career brought him several trophies, including the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, and his first Premier League title in 2024-25. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Merseyside club.
On the international stage, Jota played for Portugal’s youth teams before making his senior debut in November 2019. His national team career includes 14 goals in 49 appearances, and he helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League twice – in 2019 and most recently in 2025.
Tributes Pour In as Portugal Mourns National Hero
Image Source: 101 Great Goals
Portugal grieves the devastating loss of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota. The nation mourns one of its football heroes as the Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) shares a heartfelt statement about the deaths of Jota and his brother André Silva in the tragic accident.
PFF President Pedro Proença spoke with deep emotion: “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain”. He remembered Jota as “much more than a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for the national team”. “An extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in the community itself”.
The PFF has asked UEFA to hold a minute of silence before Portugal’s women’s team plays Spain in the European Championship. Proença’s words echoed the deep loss: “We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily”.
FC Porto shared their sorrow through an official statement: “FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks”.
The football world reacted with overwhelming grief. Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore noted the “profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief” at Jota’s death at “the unfathomably young age of 28”. Football journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother have both passed away due to traffic accident. Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, his family and loved ones”.
People remembered Jota’s warm personality and character. The PFF described him as someone with “contagious joy”. His death, along with his brother’s, “represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football”.
The football community grieves as players and fans process the sudden loss of Diogo Jota. His death at 28, just two weeks after marrying his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, has devastated the sporting world. Jota’s remarkable journey took him from Paços de Ferreira to becoming a Premier League champion with Liverpool, where he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances.
This heartbreaking situation becomes even more tragic as Jota’s brother André Silva also died in the same accident. Their deaths leave three young children who must now grow up without their father. While Jota’s life ended too soon, his impact goes far beyond his impressive scoring record. His teammates, coaches, and officials cherish his “contagious joy” and character as much as his clinical finishing ability.
Liverpool FC must now prepare for the new season without their star forward. His contributions to both club and country will be celebrated for years to come. Portuguese football has lost a national hero who played 49 times for his country and helped secure two UEFA Nations League victories.
People worldwide will remember Diogo Jota as more than just a skilled striker with his trademark index finger celebration. He was a devoted family man who once called himself “the luckiest man in the world.” His tragic passing shows how fragile life can be, even for those achieving their dreams both professionally and personally.
