Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old forward for Liverpool, died in an automobile accident.
The disaster, which happened in the Spanish region of Zamora, also claimed the life of the Portugal forward’s brother, Andre Silva.
The 26-year-old played football professionally for Penafiel, a second-tier team in Portugal.
According to the Guardia Civil, Jota and his brother passed away on Thursday at around 00:30 local time.
They claimed that while passing another car, their Lamborghini’s tire blew out, causing it to leave the road and catch fire.
Just last month, Jota wed Rute Cardoso, his longtime partner with whom he has three children.
He recently shared images from the event, which was held on June 22, on social media.
Jota was acquired by Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 for £41 million, and the team announced they “are devastated” by her passing.
He helped the Reds win the Premier League last season and the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 with his 65 goals in 182 games.
In 2017, Jota left Atletico Madrid for Wolves, first on a season-long loan before deciding to make the move permanent. In his three seasons with the team, he scored 44 goals in 131 games.
The Wolves said, “We are heartbroken,” in their statement. “Everyone who worked with Diogo liked him, including our supporters and his teammates.
“We shall always remember the memories he made. Our thoughts and prayers are with Diogo and his brother’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Jota, who made his debut for his country in 2019, played his last game for Portugal on June 8th as they defeated Spain in the Nations League final. He made 49 appearances and scored 14 goals.
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” according to a statement from the FPF.
“Much more than just a fantastic player, Diogo Jota was a remarkable individual who was admired by both teammates and rivals. He had a contagious smile and was well-known in the community.
“Two champions have left us. We shall make every effort to uphold Diogo and Andre Silva’s legacy every day because their deaths constitute irreversible losses for Portuguese football.
A minute’s silence will be observed prior to Portugal’s women’s Euros match against Spain on Thursday, according to confirmation from Uefa, the body that oversees European football.
Before joining Atletico Madrid in 2016, Jota started his professional career at Pacos de Ferreira. He then played on loan at Porto during the 2016–17 season, where his brother was a young player.
“FC Porto is in mourning,” the club said in a release.
“We extend our sincere sympathies to Diogo Jota’s family and friends, as well as to his brother Andre Silva, with shock and profound sadness. May you rest in peace.
Andre Silva joined Gondomar in 2021 after spending time with the development systems of three other Portuguese clubs after departing Porto in 2017.
He made 59 league games in the last two seasons after joining Penafiel on a free transfer in 2023.
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic,” stated Luis Montenegro, prime minister of Portugal.
“I send their families my sincerest sympathies. Football and other national and international sports are having a gloomy day.
“This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people,” said Andre Villas-Boas, the current club president and former manager of Chelsea and Tottenham.
“Sadly, two young guys lost their life. They were excellent FC Porto representatives who will be remembered for their humanity and character as well as their football skills.
“I extend my sympathies to Diogo and Andre’s family and friends, who are still grieving over the unfairness of their sudden passing. Two outstanding men have left football.
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