Liverpool Football Club and the wider footballing community have been plunged into mourning following the devastating news that Portuguese international Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain, alongside his brother André. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, casting a pall over what had recently been a joyful period in the footballer’s life.
Jota, just 28 years old, had celebrated his wedding to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, less than a fortnight prior to the tragedy. The couple, who had shared thirteen years together and have three young children, tied the knot in a picturesque ceremony in Porto. Rute had recently posted several images of their special day on social media, including candid moments which captured their happiness. Their story, full of hope and promise, now stands in sharp contrast to the heartbreak of the present.
In a particularly poignant reminder of life’s fragility, Jota’s final social media activity came only hours before the accident. On Wednesday afternoon, he shared heartfelt videos and messages, celebrating the beginning of his married life. Among the posts, a joint message from the couple reflected on their wedding, simply stating, “A day we will never forget.” In response to a photo featuring his wife in her wedding dress, Jota commented, “But I’m the lucky one,” a phrase now imbued with sadness in retrospect.
According to reports from Spanish news outlets, the crash occurred on the A52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria. Emergency services received calls shortly before 1am, but despite their rapid response, both Diogo and André Jota lost their lives at the scene. Initial accounts suggest the vehicle left the road before catching fire, though the circumstances around the incident remain under investigation.
Liverpool FC, for whom Jota had become a key figure since joining in 2020, released a sombre statement describing his passing as an “unimaginable loss.” The club expressed its devastation and asked for privacy for both the Jota and Silva families as they attempt to come to terms with the tragedy. “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, André,” the statement read.
Jota’s football career was marked by significant achievements. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, playing a pivotal role in securing the Premier League title for the club in the previous season. His career also included notable spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Porto, Atlético Madrid, and Paços de Ferreira. On the international stage, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and was part of the team that lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy just weeks before his death.
Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world. The Portuguese Football Federation paid homage to Jota and his brother in an emotional statement, calling Diogo not only an “exceptional player” but also an “extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents.” The statement continued, “Far beyond being an exceptional player, Diogo Jota was someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.” A minute’s silence in their memory is set to precede Portugal’s Women’s European Championship fixture against Spain.
This sudden loss has reverberated throughout both the Portuguese and international football communities, with players, officials, and supporters alike grappling with the shock. Messages of condolence have come from clubs, national associations, and team-mates, echoing a shared sense of disbelief and sorrow.
As investigations into the accident continue, thoughts remain with Jota’s bereaved family, friends, and colleagues. Beyond his skills on the pitch, Diogo Jota leaves behind a legacy defined as much by his kindness and enthusiasm off the field as by his talent upon it. His memory will endure in the hearts of those who loved him and admirers who cheered his every goal.