The sports world is in mourning after Liverpool and Portugal soccer star Diogo Jota tragically died in a fiery car crash early Thursday morning. He was just 28.
Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, 25, were driving through Zamora, Spain, near the Portugal border, when their car veered off the A-52 highway and burst into flames. Both brothers died at the scene.
The accident comes less than two weeks after Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three young children, including a newborn daughter.
A Deadly Road and a Devastating Crash
The A-52 highway is known for its dangerous conditions—poorly maintained roads and few safety barriers. Spanish investigators say the crash may have been caused by a tire explosion during an attempt to pass another vehicle. Skid marks suggest the driver may have hit the brakes moments before losing control. The car, reportedly a Lamborghini, went up in flames so fast that rescue teams couldn’t save them.
The fire was so intense, DNA testing was required to confirm their identities.
Why Jota Was Driving
Reports say Jota was heading to Great Britain to join Liverpool’s preseason but was told not to fly due to a recent lung surgery. Instead, he chose to drive and take a ferry across.
A Portuguese journalist close to the family shared that Jota had occasionally avoided flying due to mild lung issues — nothing life-threatening, but enough to make long car trips a safer option for him.
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The World Reacts
Tributes have poured in from fans, teammates, and fellow players across the globe. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s Portugal teammate, posted an emotional message:
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“It doesn’t make sense. Just days ago we were together with the national team. You had just gotten married. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will miss you.”
This tragic loss leaves behind a grieving wife, three children, and millions of fans heartbroken by the sudden passing of a rising star.
