Liverpool participant Diogo Jota and his brother have been killed in a automobile accident in Spain when the Lamborghini they have been in veered off a highway and burst into flames, police stated Thursday.
The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed to The Related Press that the 28-year-old Jota and his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva, have been discovered useless close to the northwestern metropolis of Zamora.
Jota’s loss of life comes weeks after he married Rute Cardoso whereas on trip from an extended season the place he helped Liverpool win the Premier League title. On getting married, she wrote in a social media put up, “Sure to endlessly.” He leaves behind him three kids, the youngest born final 12 months.
Police have been investigating the reason for the accident, which occurred previous midnight native time. They stated there have been no different automobiles concerned and that the brothers have been alone within the automobile. The our bodies have been present process forensic evaluation.
It wasn’t clear who was driving the automobile. Police have been wanting into the speculation that the accident occurred due to a blown tire whereas they tried to overhaul one other car.
The crash occurred whereas Jota and Silva, who can be a Portuguese soccer participant, have been touring eastward alongside an remoted stretch of freeway about an hour west of Zamora.
Video pictures of the aftermath printed by Spanish media confirmed braking tire marks veering off the highway towards torn-apart guardrails. The burnt-up automobile was seen a number of meters forward, with among the surrounding vegetation destroyed by the fireplace.
Jota was taking his summer season break from soccer after having helped Portugal win the Nations League. That June 8 last in opposition to Spain in Munich was his final match.
Liverpool’s gamers are because of begin coaching for subsequent season on Monday, however Jota’s participation within the Nations League might have earned him some further break day earlier than being known as again to Liverpool.
Liverpool stated the membership was “devastated by the tragic passing.”
“Liverpool FC might be making no additional remark right now and request the privateness of Diogo and Andre’s household, mates, teammates and membership employees is revered as they attempt to come to phrases with an unimaginable loss. We’ll proceed to supply them with our full help.”
Liverpool followers gathered to position flowers and group scarves outdoors Anfield Stadium to mourn Jota’s passing when information of his loss of life unfold.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and received three main trophies with the Merseyside membership.
Jota was a scientific finisher, scoring 65 objectives in 182 video games for the Reds. His final objective for the membership was the winner within the Merseyside derby in opposition to Everton in April, which moved the group nearer to the league title.
His brother Silva performed with Portuguese membership Penafiel within the decrease divisions.
Portugal mourns lack of brothers
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro commented on the “surprising and tragic” deaths. He stated Jota was “an athlete who significantly honored Portugal’s title.”
“I prolong my deepest condolences to their household,” he stated. “It’s a unhappy day for soccer and for nationwide and worldwide sports activities.”
Born in Porto In 1996, Jota Made His Skilled Debut with Portuguese Membership Paços de Ferreira.
The Portuguese soccer federation launched a press release lamenting the deaths. Federation president Pedro Proença stated Portuguese soccer was “utterly devastated.”
“Greater than a unbelievable participant, with nearly 50 appearances for the nationwide group, Diogo Jota was a unprecedented particular person, revered by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious pleasure and was a reference in his neighborhood,” Proença stated within the assertion.
The Portuguese federation stated it has requested a minute of silence earlier than Thursday’s match between Portugal and Spain on the Girls’s European Championship being performed in Switzerland.
“We misplaced two champions,” Proença stated. “Their deaths signify an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer, and we are going to all do our greatest to honor their legacy every day.”
Diogo Jota Was 28 (Photograph by Peter Byrne/PA Pictures by way of Getty Pictures)
Sports activities world reacts
Response additionally began pouring in from internationally, together with from non-soccer gamers corresponding to NBA star LeBron James — a minority proprietor at Liverpool — and tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
“It would not make any sense,” Jota’s Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo stated. “Simply now we have been collectively within the nationwide group, simply now you had gotten married. My condolences to your loved ones, to your spouse and to your kids. I want all of them the power on the planet. I do know that you’ll at all times be with them. Relaxation in peace, Diogo and André. We’ll all miss you.”
Former membership Porto and former teammates lamented the deaths and despatched condolences, as did different golf equipment, federations and leagues.
The Premier League stated it was “shocked and devastated.”
“Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s household, mates, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time,” it stated. “Soccer has misplaced a champion who might be endlessly missed. We’ll proceed to help our mates and colleagues on the membership.”
UEFA stated its ideas have been with kin, mates and teammates affected “by this heartbreaking loss.” It stated a second of silence might be noticed at Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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