WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Diogo Jota of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on March 15, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
The soccer world is in mourning after the tragic death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a car crash in Spain on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning on the A-52 road in Zamora, northwestern Spain. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the crash was caused by a “burst tire while overtaking,” which led to their vehicle leaving the road and catching fire. Authorities were able to identify the brothers’ remains through documents found at the scene and the car’s license plate, with further forensic testing confirming their identities. Their remains have since been moved to Puebla de Sanabria for investigation, and their family is currently there to finalize the necessary arrangements for their return to Portugal. Reports indicate that Diogo Jota chose to drive instead of fly due to medical advice he received after a recent lung surgery.
Diogo Jota, at 28 years old, was a highly successful forward for Liverpool, having played five impactful seasons with the club. During his time at Liverpool, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances and secured three major trophies: the Premier League (2024-25), the FA Cup (2021-22), and the League Cup (2021-22, 2024). He also contributed to Portugal’s two UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025. This tragedy comes less than two weeks after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children.
André Silva, 25, was also a professional soccer player, most recently serving as an attacking midfielder for Futebol Clube de Penafiel in the Liga Portugal 2, Portugal’s second division. He was a regular starter for Penafiel, playing 62 games and contributing 7 goals and 3 assists over two seasons. Beyond his athletic career, Silva had recently earned a university degree in Management and had even co-founded a company with his brother, showcasing his ability to balance his professional career with his academic and entrepreneurial pursuits read also, .https://naijanewswatch.com/premier-league/
The news has prompted a wave of tributes from across the soccer community and beyond. Figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, NBA legend LeBron James, and even the United Kingdom’s Prince William have expressed their profound grief and offered condolences. A wake for the brothers is anticipated to take place on Friday in their hometown of São Cosme, Gondomar, Portugal.
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