Thursday, July 3, 2025, goes down as one of the darkest days in the history of the beautiful game. In an unfortunate turn of events, Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota tragically lost his life in a car accident alongside his brother, Andre, also a professional player. Since then, the entire sporting community has thoughtfully paid their respects to the deceased, with the Portuguese women’s national team also stepping in to honor their countrymen.

The team gathered to begin their 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro campaign, playing their opening group stage match against Group D rivals Spain. After the coin toss, both teams’ starting XIs stood around the center circle of the Wankdorf Stadium pitch in Bern, Switzerland, standing with their arms around each other’s shoulders as they observed a moment of silence.

The entire crowd also rose to honor the late Reds forward. Additionally, while marking the moment of silence, a big digital screen at the top of one of the stadium’s stands displayed a picture of Diogo Jota with a message saying, “In memory of Diogo Jota, 1996-2025.”

Of course, this was something that UEFA had already planned. Before the tournament began, the European soccer body released a statement that read, “A moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva who tragically passed away today.”

Either way, it is quite a heartwarming and thoughtful gesture from either of the teams. Then again, things went downhill for Portugal as they were battered 5-0 by the world champions. Unfortunately, the goal fiesta had begun inside a couple of minutes after the kick-off and holding silence, with forward Esther Gonzales breaking the deadlock.

Five minutes later, the Spaniards doubled their lead thanks to a strike from Vicky Lopez. Then the 41st minute saw Alexia Putellas triple the lead, with Esther Gonzales completing her brace just minutes before the halftime whistle to make it 4-0.

Given how the first half went, it was hard to imagine Francisco Neto and Co. rallying for a comeback. So the next 45 minutes, Portugal tried their best not to concede anymore and at least try scoring some consolation. While that spirit did see them hold the 2023 World Cup winners, the 90+3-minute mark saw Cristina Martín-Prieto come off the bench to score the fifth goal of the night, handing Montse Tomé and Co. their crucial three points.

Clearly, the opening start of the Euro campaign was not the way Portugal imagined it to be. Not to mention, they have been drawn in a difficult group alongside Belgium and Italy as well. Then again, one has to cut their entire nation some slack as they mourn the loss of their superstar forward.

More details on Diogo Jota’s tragic incident

Diogo Jota and his brother Andre were travelling together in their Lamborghini on the quiet roads of Cernadilla, a municipality nestled in Spain’s Zamora province. It was just around midnight when several reports stated that, while attempting to overtake another vehicle on the A-52, their car suffered a tyre blowout. The sudden loss of control caused the supercar to deviate from the road, rolling over before it quickly erupted in flames at around 12:35 AM.

The fire and gasoline quickly spread to the surrounding vegetation, as witnesses alarmed by the horrifying scene immediately called emergency services. Even with their quick arrival, there was little that could have been done to save both brothers, and just a few hours later, at approximately 8 a.m., the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the heartbreaking news of both players’ deaths.

Liverpool remarked in a statement that they were “devastated” by the incident, adding, “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.”

Ardent Merseyside supporters laid flowers and club scarves outside Anfield after word of Jota’s passing began to circulate. Meanwhile, the entire Premier League, as well as other big names across the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and many more, paid tribute to Jota.

Having begun his career with Portuguese club Gondomar SC Youth, he steadily rose through the ranks to join Paços de Ferreira. As he gradually attracted attention from clubs around the world, Jota secured a breakthrough move to Atletico Madrid in 2016, while simultaneously enjoying loan spells with Porto. In 2017, Wolves also brought him in on loan, later making the move permanent thanks to his key role in their Championship title win and promotion to the Premier League.

In the summer of 2020, he joined Liverpool. Since then, he won two League Cups, the 2022 FA Cup, and the 2024-25 Premier League title in Arne Slot’s debut season, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances. On the international stage, Jota netted 14 goals and provided 12 assists in 49 matches for Portugal, winning two UEFA Nations League titles (2019 and 2025).

Notably, local police stated they are still figuring out which of the two had been behind the wheel at the time of the accident. Regardless, the news sent shockwaves through the soccer world and beyond, from where heartfelt tributes continue to pour in. Not to mention, it was just a couple of weeks ago, on June 22, the 28-year-old Liverpool forward had tied the knot with his childhood love, Rute Cardoso. The couple had three children.

Meanwhile, Diogo Jota’s younger brother, Andre, also carved out his own career in the beautiful game. The 26-year-old played for Portuguese second-division side Penafiel. Be that as it may, this is an incredibly difficult time for their families. We extend our deepest condolences and wish them strength and comfort as they navigate this deep loss.