Liverpool soccer star Diogo Jota has died in a fiery car crash after his Lamborghini veered off a road in Spain on Thursday, just 11 days after he married the mom of his three children.
The 28-year-old Portuguese forward and his 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, who was also a Portuguese soccer player, were found dead after the car crashed and burst into flames near Zamora in northwestern Spain just after midnight, police said.
The Lamborghini’s tire appeared to have burst as the pair were overtaking another vehicle, according to investigators.
Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, 28, died in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain with his brother, the Portuguese Football Federation said on Thursday. AFP via Getty Images
Jota’s Lamborghini had veered off a road. Getty Images
According to investigators, the car’s tire had burst as the pair were overtaking another vehicle. AFP via Getty Images
Premier League winner Jota had only just tied the knot with his partner of 10 years, Rute Cardoso, in a lavish ceremony on June 22.
“A day we will never forget,” he wrote in a tragic last Instagram post showing off emotional footage from the wedding day.
A $250K Lamborghini Huracan similar to the vehicle used by Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. OceanProd – stock.adobe.com“Yes to forever,” his wife wrote alongside a handful of photos.
The couple shared three children, including one who was only born last year.
The site of the car accident that claimed the lives of Liverpool soccer player Diogo Jota and his brother. AP
Flowers and tributes to Diogo Jota are left outside Liverpool’s stadium. REUTERSThe Portuguese Football Federation said it had “lost two champions.”
“Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honor their legacy every day.”
Police said the bodies of the two brothers had been taken to a forensics unit in Zamora, where autopsies would be performed.
Diogo Jota with his wife Rute Cardoso on their wedding day. @diogoj_18/Instagram
Diogo Jota with his wife Rute Cardoso Diogo Jota at their wedding. @diogoj_18/Instagram
Diogo Joto with his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their children. @rutecfcardoso14/Instagram“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored the name of Portugal, and his brother, is unexpected and tragic,” Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on X.
“I offer my most sincere condolences to his family.”
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season and also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Merseyside outfit.
Born in Porto, he began his career with local team Pacos de Ferreira before switching to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017.
Jota arrived at Anfield in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions.
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“Liverpool Football Club [is] devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said on X.
He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League.
Jota made 182 appearances for the club in all competitions. REUTERS“More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community,” the Portuguese Federation president said in his statement.
His brother, meanwhile, played for Penafiel in the Portuguese second division.
With Post wires
