In the early hours of July 3, 2025, the football world was shocked to learn that Diogo Jota, the 28‑year‑old Liverpool and Portugal star, and his younger brother, André Filipe da Silva, 25, died in a fatal car accident on Spain’s A‑52 motorway in Zamora.
The two were travelling together in a Lamborghini when a tyre burst while overtaking, causing the car to veer off the road near Cernadilla, catch fire, and shatter their dreams in an instant.
Who was Diogo Jota?
Born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, Diogo José Teixeira da Silva—better known as Diogo Jota—was one of Europe’s finest forwards.
His career began at Paços de Ferreira, followed by a step-up to Atlético Madrid, and loans to Porto and Wolves—a journey that led him to a permanent move to Wolves in 2018, and then to Liverpool in 2020 for around £41 million.
In five seasons with Liverpool, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, helping his team win the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cups, and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.
He was not just a goalscorer—his electrifying pace, dribbling skills, and tireless work rate inspired teammates and fans alike.
Off the pitch, Jota was a loving husband to his wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he married on June 22, 2025, and a proud father of three young children.
He was also passionate about esports, founding his own eSports team and ranking No. 1 in FIFA 21 during the pandemic .
Who was Diogo Jota Brother's André Filipe da Silva?
Born April 28, 2000, André followed his brother into football. He grew up in Gondomar and came through the youth systems at Gondomar, Porto, and Paços de Ferreira before carving out a career in the second tier of Portuguese football with Penafiel.
A skilful attacking midfielder and left winger, André made 62 appearances and scored 7 goals for Penafiel from 2023 to 2025.
Despite not reaching the same heights as Diogo, André was well-loved by teammates and coaches, respected for his vision on the field and his humble personality .
The Accident: A Cruel Twist of Fate
On that tragic night, the brothers were driving on the A‑52 motorway, heading from Spain back to Portugal after spending time with family.
At around 00:30–00:40 CEST, one of the tyres on their Lamborghini burst while overtaking, making the car leave the road near kilometre 65.
Emergency crews—firefighters, the Guardia Civil, and medical teams—rushed to the scene. Unfortunately, the vehicle was already engulfed in flames, and both brothers died on impact. Investigators confirmed no other vehicle was involved.
Football’s Collective Grief
Once the news broke, heartfelt tributes poured in from around the world:
‑ Liverpool FC described itself as “devastated,” asking for privacy as supporters mourned.
‑ The Portuguese Football Federation expressed being “completely devastated,” calling the brothers “irreparable losses for Portuguese football,” and requested a minute’s silence before a women’s Euro Championship match.
‑ Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Rio Ferdinand, Piers Morgan, and many others shared heartfelt condolences. Neville said: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love ….”.
Even Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro personally extended condolences, calling the event a “sad day for football and for national and international sport”.
In Tribute
Sometimes, words feel hollow against a tragedy like this. But stories of their lives—full of talent, family, laughter—can shine a light through the darkness. Diogo and André were beloved not only for their football, but for who they were off the pitch.
So let’s remember them as they would’ve wanted:
- Diogo: the lightning‑fast winger who raced down the touchline, scoring goals—and touching hearts.
- André: the steady playmaker, weaving magic in midfield, laying passes that made game‑deciding moments.
- Life’s fragile. Here’s hoping their memory sparks compassion, reminds us to cherish loved ones, and inspires us to live boldly.
- Diogo and André, your legend lives on—not just in goals and caps, but in every heart you touched. Rest in peace, brothers. And thanks for the magic.
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