Liverpool Star Diogo Jota and Brother André Killed in Tragic Car Crash Days After Wedding
ZAMORA PROVINCE, Spain — On the early morning of Thursday, July 3, 2025, a devastating car accident on the A‑52 highway near Cernadilla, in the province of Zamora, claimed the lives of Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, known to the world as Diogo Jota, and his younger brother, André Filipe da Silva
📍 Accident Details
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The brothers were riding in a Lamborghini when a suspected tire blowout occurred while overtaking another vehicle. The car veered off the road, crashed, and quickly caught fire, engulfing both occupants
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Emergency services — including the Civil Guard, firefighters, and medical units — responded swiftly, but both were pronounced dead at the scene
👨👦 Who Were They?
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Diogo Jota (born December 4, 1996) was a celebrated forward for Liverpool FC and the Portugal national team. He starred in Liverpool’s attack since September 2020, tallying 65 goals in 182 appearances, and securing major trophies like the Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup
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Internationally, he earned 49 caps and 14 goals for Portugal, contributing to UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025
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Only two weeks prior, Diogo had married longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, in Porto. The couple had three young children: born in 2021, 2023, and 2024
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André Filipe da Silva (born April 28, 2000) was a professional footballer playing for F.C. Penafiel in Portugal’s second division. Though quieter in the spotlight, André was respected in football circles and deeply devoted to his family
🕯️ Tributes and Mourning
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The Portuguese Football Federation and figures such as Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and President Pedro Proença paid tribute, requesting a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euro match against Spain
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Football’s leading voices — including Gary Neville, Piers Morgan, Jamie Carragher, Alan Shearer, and Rio Ferdinand — expressed shock and sorrow
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Clubs across Europe, including Liverpool, Porto, and Sporting Lisbon, joined in collective mourning
🏁 Legacy and Loss
Diogo Jota’s dynamic playing style, infectious enthusiasm, and dedication made him a fan favorite. André’s promise as a professional athlete and loyal brother complemented Diogo’s larger-than-life persona. Their untimely passing marks a heartbreaking moment not only in Portuguese football, but across global sports
Their tragic deaths—coming just days after Diogo’s joyous wedding celebration—have plunged families, clubs, and fans into deep grief. As the world honors their memory, football communities unite in mourning two lives filled with promise and potential.