In a devastating blow to the football world, Portuguese forward Diogo Jota has tragically passed away at the age of 28 following a car crash in Spain. The Liverpool star, known for his agility and sharp attacking instincts, was travelling with his younger brother Andre Silva, who also lost his life in the accident. Tennis great Rafael Nadal was among the first to express his sorrow.

The crash occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora, where local authorities confirmed that the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The car subsequently caught fire, leaving no survivors. Andre Silva, 25, was also a professional footballer and most recently played for Portuguese second-tier side Penafiel.

Tributes are pouring in from across the sporting world, with tennis legend Rafael Nadal sharing a heartfelt message on social media. “What terribly sad and painful news 😔 All my love, affection, and support to his wife, his children, his family, and his friends in such a difficult moment. Rest in Peace, Diogo Jota and André Silva,” Nadal wrote on X. (translated from Spanish)

Jota is survived by his wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he married just 11 days ago, and their three children.

The Liverpool forward made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals for the club. He was a key figure in their 2024–25 Premier League triumph, which was his first league title. Under new head coach Arne Slot, Jota netted nine times across all competitions that season, with his final goal proving decisive in a Merseyside derby win over Everton on April 2. Fittingly, his No. 20 shirt matched Liverpool’s historic 20th league title.

The football world continues to reel from the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s and his brother’s deaths, as tributes flood in from clubs, players, and fans across the globe.

Tributes pour in for Diogo Jota and André Silva after tragic accident

Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota’s international teammate, led tributes from the football world. “It doesn’t make sense. We were just together with the national team, you had just gotten married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you,” he wrote on X.

LeBron James, who holds a stake in Liverpool’s ownership group Fenway Sports Group, also paid tribute: “My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You’ll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!”

Jota’s former club, Wolves, where he made 131 appearances and helped secure promotion to the Premier League, said they were devastated by the news. “Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, André. You will be truly missed and always remembered,” the club wrote on X.

FC Porto, where Jota spent the 2016–17 season on loan from Atlético Madrid, said in a statement: “It is with shock and deep regret that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, non-fans, who will also be shocked by this. It is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends, for his family.”

The loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva has left an unfilled void in the hearts of fans and teammates alike. Their legacy, both on and off the pitch, will never be forgotten.