Diogo Jota: What Led to the Deaths of Liverpool Star and His Brother in Devastating Car Accident
- Liverpool star Diogo Jota has tragically lost his life in a fatal car crash in Spain's Zamora province
- The devastating accident also claimed the life of his brother, André Silva, who was also a professional footballer
- Details surrounding the cause of the crash that led to the untimely death of the former FC Porto forward have since come to light
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has reportedly died in a car accident in Spain on Thursday, July 3, 2025. He was 28.
Jota was travelling with his younger brother, André, a player for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel, when the tragedy occurred.
Both siblings lost their lives in the early hours of the morning, around 00:30 local time, according to reports from the BBC citing Spain’s Guardia Civil.
Jota's final journey home
Diogo Jota’s death has left a heavy silence in Liverpool and Portugal. Just days before this tragic crash, he had flown back to Spain to spend quiet time with his family after his wedding.
Diogo Jota and his brother André were driving from Porto toward Santander to catch a ferry back to England choosing to drive due to medical advice against flying after Jota’s recent lung surgery.
People who saw them at a roadside café earlier that evening described him as cheerful, joking with André about plans for the upcoming pre-season training.
He even took selfies with young fans who recognised him. It was meant to be a calm night drive through the mountains they loved.
The news has shattered those who knew him personally, as he was a simple, generous man who never hesitated to stop and greet locals on his journeys home.
Source: Getty Images
What is the cause of Diogo Jota's death?
The fatal crash took place along the A-52 highway in the municipality of Cernadilla, located in a mountainous part of Castilla y León, northwestern Spain.
The area is known for its challenging roads, and it was here that the car veered off course.
Authorities say the two brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini, a high-performance sports car, when, upon reaching kilometre 65 (approximately 40 miles), the driver lost control, per Catalunya Diari.
Early investigations suggest the crash may have been triggered by a tyre failure during an overtaking attempt.
The vehicle reportedly left the road, slammed into the rugged terrain, and instantly caught fire from the impact. The blaze was so intense that it spread to nearby vegetation.
Emergency services couldn’t Jota and Andre
By the time emergency responders reached the scene, the car was fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters worked quickly to put out the fire, but it was already too late. Both Diogo and André had died inside the wreckage.
The Guardia Civil confirmed that the bodies of the two brothers were badly burned and that the car had been destroyed.
Investigators are still piecing together the exact sequence of events.
Authorities also confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
It appears the crash was a single-car accident, with no external interference. Sadly, there was nothing rescuers could do once they arrived.
The heartbreaking incident comes a few weeks after he married his long-time girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, in a beautiful ceremony in Porto last month.
Jota leaves behind his wife and their three young children.
The world of football has been left in mourning over the shocking loss of one of its most admired talents. Tributes have been pouring in since news broke.
A community’s deep grief
Residents woke up to fire trucks and sirens echoing through the valleys before dawn. For many, the area was known as a peaceful highway route with beautiful views, not a place of sorrow.
Locals have now laid flowers at the crash site, placing candles and handwritten messages thanking Jota for inspiring their children to dream big.
Read also
The medical reasons behind Diogo Jota's decision to avoid flying before his fatal car crash
One note read, “Even if we never met, your goals made my son smile every weekend.” The mayor of Cernadilla has declared a day of mourning to honour both brothers.
Across Spain and Portugal, fans, coaches, and teammates are still struggling to come to terms with the shocking loss, remembering Diogo not just as a star player but as a humble father, husband, and friend whose kindness reached far beyond football.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
