Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota dies in car crash alongside brother at age of 28

Footballer Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain, aged just 28.

The Liverpool star and Portugal international forward was driving in Zamora when the tragic incident took place.

His brother, Andre Silva, 25, was also killed in the crash that took place on the Rías Bajas highway on Thursday morning.

It comes less than two weeks after the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Atletico Madrid striker married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso in his hometown of Porto.

The couple have three children together.

He signed for Liverpool in 2020 and helped them win the English Premier League title last season, while also winning the Nations League with Portugal.

In a statement posted online, the Anfield club said: “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.”

An investigation is now underway to find out what caused the crash.

The Portuguese national football team have said they are “devastated” by the death, adding that he “was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents.

“He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.

“On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation and myself, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and Andre as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the respective clubs of the players.

“We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”

The Scotland national team paid tribute, saying: We’re hugely saddened to learn of Diogo Jota and André Silva’s passing. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and everyone at @selecaoportugal and @LFC.”

Premiership clubs, including Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Hibernian, also sent their condolences on social media.
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