21 hours ago 2

Liverpool’s Diogo Jota dies in car crash aged 28

Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died in a car crash at the age of 28.

He was travelling with his brother Andre, who has also died, in Zamora, Spain.

Jota represented his country Portugal on almost 50 occasions, helping guide them to two Nations League trophies.

He has played for Liverpool since 2020 after joining from Wolves, and went on to win several major honours with the club including the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.

Jota’s brother Andre Silva was also a professional footballer, who played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.

The Spanish Guardia Civil said in a statement: “The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.

“It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.

“The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”

When asked to confirm the identities of those involved in the accident, the Guardia Civil said: “The player and his brother, André Silva.”

Jota had recently got married to his partner Rute Cardoso and leaves behind three children.

Liverpool Football Club said in a statement: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

“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.”

The Portuguese football association said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain.

“Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.

“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.

“The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship. We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.”

“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”