Liverpool star Diogo Jota has tragically passed away, leaving the global sports community in shock.
The 28-year-old footballer died in a devastating car crash on Thursday while traveling with his younger brother, André Silva, 25. Their car veered off the road and burst into flames near Cernadilla, Spain, close to the Portuguese border.
The tragedy comes just weeks after Jota had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children — two sons and a newborn daughter.
Reports indicate the crash occurred on the A-52 highway, one of Spain’s most hazardous roads due to poor conditions and a lack of safety barriers. The vehicle, believed to be a Lamborghini, may have suffered a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, causing the driver to lose control. Skid marks at the scene suggest an attempt to brake just before the crash.
Both brothers died at the scene. The fire was so intense that DNA testing was required to confirm their identities. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the flames had already spread to nearby vegetation, complicating rescue efforts.
Authorities suspect excessive speed may have contributed to the accident. Jota had reportedly opted to drive rather than fly due to recent lung surgery, and the brothers were on their way to catch a ferry to England ahead of Liverpool’s preseason.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared an emotional message mourning his teammate. “It doesn’t make sense,” Ronaldo wrote. “We were just together on the national team… You had just gotten married.”
He extended condolences to Jota’s family and added, “Rest in peace, Diogo and André. You will be deeply missed.”