28-year-old Liverpool striker and key Portuguese international Diogo Jota has tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain overnight. His brother, André Silva — also a professional footballer — died in the crash as well. Jota had recently gotten married and leaves behind three children.
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 following standout performances with Wolverhampton Wanderers and quickly became one of the club’s most impactful players, known for his clinical finishing and relentless work ethic.
According to early reports, the accident was caused by a flat tire during an overtaking maneuver, which led Jota to lose control of the vehicle and veer off the road. The car caught fire shortly after the crash.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp — one of the key figures behind Jota’s move to Anfield — shared an emotional farewell message, paying tribute to the Portuguese forward’s talent, character, and legacy.
"This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose — but I can’t see it. I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much. All my prayers, thoughts, and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends, and everyone who loved them. Rest in peace. - Love, J."
Jurgen Klopp on Instagram. ❤️
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2025
“This is a moment where I struggle!
There must be a bigger purpose!
But I can't see it!
I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André.
Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and… pic.twitter.com/WlYMkfKZVc
Jota was the only Portuguese player in Liverpool’s current squad, but language was never a barrier. Before joining the Reds, he had spent three years at Wolverhampton, where he quickly adapted to English football and life in the Premier League.
He was coming off one of the most successful seasons of his career — lifting the Premier League title for the second time with Liverpool, winning the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, and marrying his longtime partner, Rute.
Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to express his heartbreak, saying he couldn’t believe this was happening — especially after the joyful and successful moments they had recently shared.
"It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married. 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."
Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025
As the tragic news of Diogo Jota’s death — along with his brother’s — broke, tributes poured in from across the football world. Legends, current and former teammates, rivals, and Premier League clubs all mourned the loss of the talented striker.
Jota’s Liverpool teammates began sharing heartfelt messages, remembering not only the player, but the person he was. Among them, Darwin Núñez posted an emotional tribute to his friend, expressing his deep sorrow and honoring the bond they shared on and off the pitch.
"There are no words of comfort for such pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good teammate on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family, from where I am sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children."
Darwin Nunez on Instagram:
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) July 3, 2025
“There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and… pic.twitter.com/cYMsAx8uEc
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher also shared his condolences on social media, joining the countless voices paying tribute to Diogo Jota.
"Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with every one of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids"
Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning.
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 3, 2025
Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids pic.twitter.com/BSYBL5yVre
As the messages continues to come through, many Premier League clubs have also shared their condolences, such as Tottenham, Chelsea, Wolverhampton, Brighton - everybody is sharing a kind message to Diogo Jota's family.
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