Liverpool Football Club and the football world are mourning the tragic loss of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in Spain just days after marrying his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso.
The 28-year-old player was travelling with his younger brother, 26-year-old André Silva, when their car veered off the road near the Spanish city of Zamora and burst into flames.
Sadly, both brothers died at the scene.
Jota had recently tied the knot with Rute on June 22, 2025, in a heartwarming ceremony in Porto, Portugal.
The couple’s three children took part in the celebration.
In a touching Instagram post just three days before the tragedy, Rute wrote, “My dream came true.”
Liverpool FC confirmed the devastating news in a statement posted on Thursday morning:
“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, Andre. We ask that the privacy of the family, friends, teammates, and club staff be respected during this time of unimaginable loss.”
Jota began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira in Portugal before signing with Atlético Madrid in 2016. He went on loan to FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves), eventually making a permanent move to Wolves in 2018.
In 2020, Jota signed a £41 million deal with Liverpool, where he went on to make over 100 appearances and played a key role in their Premier League title win.
Clubs across Europe have paid tribute to the late footballer. Wolves, in a heartfelt message, said:
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten.”
Atlético Madrid also expressed shock over the news:
“We are shocked by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
FC Porto joined in mourning, stating:
“FC Porto is in mourning. It is with deep sorrow that we extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who also played in our youth ranks. Rest in peace.”
Photos from Jota’s wedding day show the couple smiling joyfully with their children, capturing what was meant to be the beginning of a new chapter. Instead, the football community is left reeling from the shocking and untimely loss of a beloved star, husband, and father.
