The global soccer community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 26, after a fatal car accident in northwestern Spain near the town of Zamora.
Jota, a standout striker for Liverpool and a vital player for Portugal’s national team, had recently celebrated a major milestone—he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, just two weeks ago. The couple shared three young children.
His brother, André Silva, was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
The Portuguese Football Federation released a moving statement, saying,
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain.”
Jota earned 49 international caps for Portugal and was admired for both his skill on the field and his uplifting presence in the locker room. He was part of Portugal’s championship-winning squads in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.
Jota’s untimely passing has left a deep void in the hearts of fans, teammates, and the broader soccer world. His passion, talent, and spirit will be remembered always.