Liverpool forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash aged 28
By Jeffrey Agbo
Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother André have died in a fatal car crash in northwestern Spain.
Emergency services responded to an accident at around midnight on the A‑52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora, where the vehicle left the road and burst into flames. Both occupants were found deceased at the scene.
Jota, 28, had married Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, and is survived by his wife and their three children.
A Portuguese international, Jota began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira before moves to Atlético Madrid (no appearances), Porto (loan), and Wolves, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League.
In 2020, he signed for Liverpool in a deal reported at around £41 million, contributing significantly to their attack with 47 goals in 123 appearances.
At international level, he earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals, helping Portugal to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
The footballing world has been rocked by grief following the loss. Tributes poured in from teammates, fans, and fellow professionals. Liverpool FC is expected to issue an official statement confirming details and outlining plans to honour his memory.
Spanish emergency teams—including firefighters, Guardia Civil, and medical staff—are continuing to investigate the crash, with initial findings indicating the car veered off the road before catching fire.
The crash occurred midway between Jota’s honeymoon and the start of Liverpool’s preseason preparations.
He was one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards, praised for his pace, finishing, and versatility on the wing and center-forward roles.
