Liverpool and the wider football world are in mourning following the sudden death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in Spain. The accident occurred early Wednesday morning near Cernadilla in the Zamora province when a tyre on Jota’s Lamborghini burst while overtaking another car. The vehicle veered off the road and caught fire. Both men were confirmed dead at the scene.
Jota, 28, had been recovering from minor surgery and was advised by doctors not to fly. He was driving from Porto to the Spanish port of Santander to catch a ferry to England in preparation for Liverpool’s pre-season training, which was set to begin on Monday. The journey was intended to avoid air travel, but it ended in tragedy.
Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world. Liverpool FC described the loss as “unimaginable,” and former manager Jürgen Klopp expressed heartbreak, saying, “We will miss you so much.” Teammates, including Harvey Elliott, remembered Jota as a kind, hardworking man who had a profound impact both on and off the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo said the news “doesn’t make sense,” while Bruno Fernandes called it “hard to understand.”
Fans gathered outside Anfield, laying flowers, jerseys, and heartfelt notes. Many remembered Jota for his joy, his connection with supporters, and his crucial role in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title win. His popular chant, “Oh he wears the number 20,” echoed again as fans stood in silence to honour him.
Jota had recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. Their wedding took place just days before the crash.
Moments of silence were held by top clubs including Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG, the latter of which features four Portuguese players. Politicians and public figures also paid their respects, including the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram, both of whom laid flowers at Anfield.
The cause of the crash is believed to be a tyre blowout, as confirmed by Spanish officials. Authorities have begun formal identification through DNA testing, and psychological support teams have been deployed to assist the grieving family.
Jota’s legacy — his passion, talent, and the warmth he shared with fans — leaves an enduring imprint on Liverpool and football at large.