Diogo Jota and Brother Killed in Tragic Car Crash, Liverpool Mourns Devastating Loss

July 4, 2025

3 minute read

Liverpool’s Portuguese striker Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring a goal during the English League Cup third-round football match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England, on September 25, 2024. Liverpool striker Diogo Jota died along with his brother early on July 3, 2025, in a road accident in northwest Spain, the Spanish Civil Guard said. The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on a highway in the province of Zamora. The vehicle “left the road” before bursting into flames, the Civil Guard said, adding that the two passengers, Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Felipe, also a professional footballer, were deceased. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

What happened to Diogo Jota and his brother?
Liverpool Football Club has confirmed the tragic death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre following a car crash in northern Spain. According to Spanish police, the vehicle veered off a motorway in the Zamora province shortly after midnight and caught fire.

The 28-year-old had recently married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22. The couple had three children. The club released a heartfelt statement on Thursday, expressing the deep sorrow felt across the Liverpool community.

“Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club stated.
“The club has been informed that the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and requests the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

How are fans and the football world reacting?
In the hours following the news, supporters gathered outside Anfield to pay tribute. Scarves, wreaths, and flowers were laid at the stadium gates in a collective moment of mourning for a player who had become an integral part of the club.

Jota was capped 49 times by Portugal and played for top clubs including FC Porto and Atletico Madrid before moving to England in 2017 with Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2020, he joined Liverpool in a £45 million deal that turned out to be a pivotal signing.

What were Diogo Jota’s key achievements at Liverpool?
During his five-year spell at Anfield, Jota became a fan favourite thanks to his energy, technique, and goal-scoring consistency. He netted 65 goals for the Reds and was instrumental in their recent successes. In the 2021/22 season, he helped Liverpool lift both the FA Cup and the League Cup, and he was also part of the squad that clinched the Premier League title.

By Yockshard Enyendi