In a heartbreaking turn of events, Liverpool FC and Portugal national team forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 following a car accident in Zamora, Spain. The tragic incident, reported by multiple reputable sources including Spanish newspaper Marca, occurred on the A-52 highway near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria on July 3, 2025. Jota was reportedly traveling with his younger brother, André, a 26-year-old footballer for Penafiel, when their vehicle went off the road, caught fire, and led to the devastating loss of both lives.
Who is Diogo Jota?
Diogo Jota, born in Porto, Portugal, was a key figure in Liverpool’s success since joining the club in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Known for his clinical finishing, versatility, and work rate, Jota played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win, as well as their FA Cup and English League Cup triumphs. His career also included stints at Atlético Madrid and Porto, and he was a regular for the Portuguese national team. Despite battling recurring injuries in the 2024/25 season, Jota remained a beloved figure among fans and teammates for his resilience and contributions on the pitch.
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When Was Diogo Jota Involved in an Accident?
The accident took place in the early hours of Thursday morning, 3rd July 2025, with emergency services, including the Rionegro del Puente Fire Station and medical staff from the Mombuey health center, responding to the scene. According to a statement from the Zamora Provincial Council, the vehicle ignited, and the flames spread to nearby vegetation. Despite the efforts of responders, both Jota and his brother were pronounced dead at the scene.
The news comes just two weeks after Jota celebrated a joyous milestone, marrying his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony in Porto at the end of June.
The football world has been left reeling, with posts on X reflecting the collective sorrow. One user wrote, “Devastating beyond words. Diogo Jota, aged just 28, has died in a car crash in Spain, only days after his dream wedding. His younger brother André also lost his life. A Liverpool football star, a husband, a brother, a father gone far too soon.” Another described the news as “terrible,” highlighting the profound impact Jota had on the sport.
Liverpool FC released a statement confirming the tragedy, expressing their deep sorrow and extending condolences to Jota’s family, including his wife, Rute, and their children. The club has yet to announce plans for memorials or tributes, but the football community is expected to honor Jota’s legacy in the coming days.
As investigations into the accident continue, authorities have not yet released further details about the cause of the crash. The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André is a profound tragedy that has touched fans, teammates, and the global football community. Their memory will live on through the moments of brilliance Jota brought to the pitch and the love he shared with his family and supporters.