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Prayers Pouring In After Star Athlete Dies In Car Wreck At 28

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 10:12 AM ET

The sports world was truly dealt a devastating blow this Thursday.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, were killed in a car crash in Spain. According to the Associated Press, the Spanish Civil Guard found them dead in their car after it went off the road on an isolated stretch of the highway near Zamora.

Jota, 28, helped Liverpool win the Premier League and played a role in Portugal capturing the UEFA Nations League. Off the pitch, he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22.

On Thursday morning, Liverpool released a statement on this tragedy.

"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the statement read. "The club have been informed 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 request 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."

Over the past few hours, countless athletes, companies and fans have sent their prayers to the Jota family.

"My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA," LeBron James wrote on X.

"It doesn't make sense. We were just together with the national team, you had just gotten married," Cristiano Ronaldo said. "To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you."

"Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club," the Premier League said.

"The adidas family is deeply saddened by the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to their family, friends, and all who know and love them. Diogo will be remembered as a Champion on and off the football pitch," Adidas said in their statement.

"Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids," Jamie Carragher said.

There's no question Jota's legacy will live on for years to come.

We're keeping Jota's loved ones in our thoughts.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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