The 28-year-old Portuguese forward perished in an accident near Zamora in northwest Spain this morning, Thursday July 3rd.
His brother, Andre, was also killed in the crash on the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52) at Palacios de Sanabria, which was headed towards Benavente.
According to police, the accident occurred around 12.30 a.m. when the pair’s Lamborghini drove off the road.
“A vehicle left the road, and everything indicates that a tyre burst while overtaking,” the Guardia Civil in Zamora said in a statement.
“As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people died. Pending the conclusion of forensic investigations, one of the victims has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe.”
It comes only ten days after the athlete married his long-time lover, Rute Cardoso.
Diogo Jota played as a striker for Liverpool.
He began his career in his home Portugal and later played for Atletico Madrid in Spain before going to England.
He moved to Merseyside from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020.
Jota was a vital player for the Reds throughout his five-year tenure, netting six goals in Liverpool’s most recent Premier League title victory.
He scored 47 goals in 123 appearances for the club. He also made 49 appearances for the Portugal national team, scoring 14 times.
His 26-year-old brother, Andre, played for Penafiel, a Portuguese second division team.
Liverpool FC published a statement saying they were “devastated” by their player’s death.
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre,” their statement read.
“Liverpool FC will make no further comment at this time and ask that the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates, and club personnel be respected as they try to cope with an incomprehensible tragedy.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
The Portuguese football federation stated that it was “utterly devastated by the deaths.”
“In addition to being an excellent footballer with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious enthusiasm, and a reference within his own community.
Author: Derek Appleton
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