Tributes have flooded in for Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva following their tragic deaths in a car accident in Spain during the early hours of Thursday morning. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, which occurred on the A52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. According to reports from local police, the vehicle they were traveling in crashed after suffering a tire blowout while attempting to overtake another car.
Diogo Jota, who recently married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso and had three children, had earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals. He was also a Premier League title winner with Liverpool in April. His brother, Andre, was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in the second tier of Portuguese football.
In remembrance of Diogo and Andre, a minute`s silence is scheduled to be observed at all Women`s European Championships matches on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal`s upcoming game against Spain. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca released a statement expressing that the federation and the entire Portuguese football community were “devastated” by the deaths.
Proenca described Diogo Jota as “far beyond being an exceptional player… an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy.” He extended his deepest condolences to the families and friends, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, calling the losses “irreparable” for Portuguese football.
Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro also offered his tribute on social media, calling the news “unexpected and tragic.” He added that Diogo Jota was “an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal`s name” and conveyed his deepest condolences to the family.
Liverpool Expresses Devastation
Hours after the news broke, fans began laying flowers and cards outside Anfield, referencing popular chants for Jota. Liverpool Football Club released a statement confirming they were “devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.” The club stated they had been informed that the 28-year-old passed away along with his brother, Andre, following a road traffic accident in Spain.
Liverpool FC requested privacy for the families, friends, teammates, and club staff during this difficult time, stating they would continue to provide full support as they cope with the “unimaginable loss.” Teammate Stefan Bajcetic posted a tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of them together with the message “you will be remembered my friend.”
Anfield legends also paid respects. Former defender Jamie Carragher expressed his “state of shock,” calling it “devastating for all involved, especially his family.” Former captain Steven Gerrard offered “condolences to his family and friends.” Liverpool minority owner and NBA star LeBron James also sent his prayers and a tribute message, including “YNWA [You`ll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!”.
Andre`s club, FC Penafiel, released a statement expressing “pain and consternation” at the loss of two young lives connected to football. They extended sincere condolences to Andre`s family, friends, and everyone who knew him, announcing official mourning and planned tributes.
Porto Remembers Two Exemplary Men
FC Porto, where Diogo Jota spent a season on loan and Andre Silva came through the youth academy, also released a statement expressing “shock and deep sorrow.” Club president Andre Villas-Boas called it a moment of “profound dismay” for the Porto fanbase and all Portuguese people. He remembered Diogo and Andre as “two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner” and will be remembered for their “personal and human qualities.”
International teammates also shared their grief. Cristiano Ronaldo posted a heartfelt message, saying the news “doesn`t make sense” and remembering recent times together. He sent condolences to the family, wishing them strength, and stated, “Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.” Ruben Neves, another Portugal teammate, posted, “They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Before joining Liverpool, Diogo Jota was a fan favorite at Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping them achieve promotion and strong Premier League finishes. He scored the club`s first European goal in nearly 40 years during his time there. Wolves released a statement saying they were “heartbroken,” describing Jota as “adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone.” They sent condolences to the families, adding, “You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
