Diogo Jota Dies at 28 in Tragic Car Crash—Fans and Football World in Shock

July 4, 2025

A Sudden, Heartbreaking Loss

The football world is heartbroken right now. Diogo Jota, the talented forward who played for Liverpool FC and the Portugal national team, has died in a car crash. He was just 28 years old.

The accident happened in the early hours of July 3, 2025, on the A-52 motorway in Spain. Jota was traveling with his younger brother, André Silva, when their Lamborghini suffered a tire blowout. The car went off the road, crashed, and caught fire. Sadly, both Jota and André died at the scene.

View of the crash site where Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives

A Quick Look Back at His Career

Diogo Jota wasn’t just another player, he was one of the most exciting attackers in Europe. Born in Portugal in 1996, he rose through the ranks at Paços de Ferreira, then moved to Atlético Madrid, had a loan spell at Porto, and later found his rhythm at Wolves in the Premier League.

But it was his move to Liverpool in 2020 that really put him on the global stage. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club, helping them win major trophies, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup in the 2024–25 season.

For Portugal, he scored 14 goals in 49 matches, and helped the team win the Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025. He was a consistent, hardworking, and incredibly sharp player. Always popping up in the right place to score.

Just Got Married, Just Starting a New Chapter

What makes this even sadder is the timing. Jota had just gotten married to Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, less than two weeks before the crash. They had been together for years and had three young kids. From all accounts, he was a devoted husband and dad who kept his personal life private and low-key.

He was supposed to return to Liverpool for pre-season training soon. No one expected this.

The Reactions Say It All

As soon as the news broke, tributes started pouring in from everywhere. Liverpool FC said they were “devastated,” and their manager Arne Slot described Jota as “not just a player, but part of our family.”

Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, who brought Jota to the club, said:

“I’m heartbroken. He wasn’t just a top player—he was a top person. I loved him.”

Cristiano Ronaldo also shared a touching message:

“This doesn’t make sense. We were just playing together with the national team. Rest in peace, brother.”

Players like Virgil van Dijk, Darwin Núñez, Bruno Fernandes, and João Félix all shared photos and memories online. Fans have been gathering outside Anfield, lighting candles, laying flowers, and leaving scarves and notes at the stadium gates.

A Quiet Star Who Did It All

Diogo Jota wasn’t loud or flashy, but he was incredibly effective. He could play anywhere across the front line, had great movement, smart decision-making, and knew how to finish. He wasn’t just talented—he was a team player who made everyone around him better.

What people appreciated most about Jota was how humble he was. He didn’t chase headlines or drama. He worked hard, played hard, and kept it simple. On and off the pitch, he let his actions speak louder than words.