Liverpool forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash, aged 28.

The Portugal forward’s brother, Andre Silva, also died in the accident. This happened in the Spanish province of Zamora.

Former footballer with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel was 26 years old. Jota and his brother died on Thursday at about 00:30 local time, according to the Guardia Civil. They said their Lamborghini went off the road because of a tire blowout.

Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just last month. He recently posted pictures on social media, external of the ceremony, which took place on 22 June. Liverpool were “devastated” at the loss of Jota, whom they signed from Wolves for £41m in 2020.

He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds. He won the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 with them. He also won the Premier League title with them last season. Jota joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2017. He started with a season-long loan before making the move permanent. During his three seasons with the club, he scored 44 goals in 131 games.

“We are heartbroken,” read a Wolves statement. “Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him. “The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother.”

Jota made his international debut in 2019. He played his last match for Portugal on June 8. In that game, Portugal beat Spain in the Nations League final. He scored 14 goals in 49 appearances. “The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” read a FPF statement.

“Diogo Jota was more than just a great player. He was an extraordinary person. Everyone, including teammates and opponents, respected him. He had a joyful spirit and was a role model in the community.”

“We have lost two champions. The loss of Diogo and Andre Silva is a big blow for Portuguese football. We will do our best to honor their legacy every day European football’s governing body Uefa has confirmed there will be a minute’s silence before Portugal’s women’s Euros game against Spain on Thursday.