Liverpool Footballer Diogo Jota Confirmed as Driver in Fatal Spanish Crash, Police Say
Spanish authorities have disclosed that Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota was behind the wheel during the high-speed car crash that tragically claimed his life and that of his brother, Andre Silva, last week. Police investigations suggest excessive speed was a key factor in the deadly incident, which shocked football fans across Europe.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday on the A-52 near Palacios de Sanabria, Zamora, in northwest Spain. According to the local branch of Spain’s national police, the Guardia Civil, Jota had been driving a Lamborghini when the vehicle reportedly suffered a suspected tyre blowout, leading to a catastrophic loss of control and subsequent fire.
A spokesperson from the Guardia Civil of Zamora provided additional details to the press, confirming that preliminary findings indicate Jota was indeed at the helm of the vehicle at the time of the crash. While the official investigation is not yet complete, forensic analysis focused on tyre tread marks at the scene is believed to support these conclusions.
Early reports indicate the sports car was travelling above the legal speed limit, which, according to local media, is set at 120km/h (74mph) for the stretch of road where the accident occurred. The police spokesperson commented: “Everything at this stage suggests the speed was significantly above what is permitted on that road.” Authorities are expected to deliver their final report to the Court of Puebla de Sanabria upon concluding their inquiries.
Both Jota, who was a father of three, and his brother, also a professional footballer, died at the scene. The impact and subsequent fire left little hope for survival, with photographs showing the charred wreckage of the car and debris littering the roadside. The severity of the crash and the circumstances under which it occurred have prompted renewed conversations around road safety, particularly among professional athletes known for their high-performance vehicles.
The tragedy has deeply affected both the sporting community and Jota’s native Portugal, where a joint funeral for the brothers was held on Saturday. The ceremony drew members of their family, including Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso—whom he had married just 11 days prior to the incident—as well as friends, teammates, and notable figures from the footballing world.
Tributes have continued to pour in, highlighting the impact the brothers had on the sport and beyond. Messages of condolence were sent by the Portuguese Prime Minister, international football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, and British public figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Fans gathered outside the funeral service, many visibly moved as they paid their respects.
The football world, still reeling from the loss, has called for a moment of reflection on the pressures and lifestyles that sometimes accompany high-profile players. While luxury vehicles can offer speed and style, authorities and road safety advocates have reiterated the importance of driving responsibly, regardless of status or ability.
The official results of the police investigation are expected to be released to the local court in due course, which may yet yield further insights into the sequence of events leading up to the fatal crash. In the meantime, the legacy of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva remains at the forefront of conversation, with their untimely deaths serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
As the investigation continues, grieving supporters and colleagues alike have urged the footballing community to honour the memory of the brothers, not just through tributes, but also by championing road safety and personal responsibility on—and off—the pitch.