Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in Spain - Liverpool FC

Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota has been killed in a car crash in Spain.

The Spanish Guardia Civil has confirmed to the Associated Press that Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were found dead after their car went off a road near the western city of Zamora.

The 28-year-old footballer, who was married fewer than two weeks ago to Rute Cardoso, was travelling with his brother when the incident was recorded at about 12.40am.

Jota and Rute Cardoso were married 11 days ago

The two brothers were killed when their Lamborghini came off the Rías Bajas highway (A52) at kilometre 65, heading towards Benavente, shortly after midnight.

Sources consulted suggested that the car may have suffered a blow-out of one of its tyres while overtaking, causing it to leave the road and catch fire.

Police were investigating the causes and stated that no other vehicles were involved.

In a statement given to The Telegraph, Spain’s Guardia Civil said: “The Guardia Civil is investigating a road accident which occurred at 12:30am this morning at kilometre 65 of the A52, at the municipal area of Cernadilla, Zamora. The vehicle came off the road on the left-hand side.

“The investigation points to a road accident due to a tire burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both occupants died.

“In the absence of the conclusion of the expert evidence, the identification of one of the deceased is Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother Andre Felipe.”

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on X: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.

“I leave the family my deepest condolences. It’s a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”

Jamie Carragher wrote on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Ruth and their three kids.”

Gary Neville posted on his X account: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”

Jota, a Portuguese international, was an extraordinarily talented sportsman at the peak of his career. He has been a key figure in Liverpool FC’s recent successes.

He was married to Ms Cardoso, the mother of his three children, in Porto on June 20 and was due to return to Merseyside for pre-season training next week, preparing for a new season.

He moved to the Premier League in 2017, building his reputation at Wolverhampton Wanderers before making his move to Anfield under Jürgen Klopp in 2020.

Jota was an immediate success, part of a side which regularly competed for the Premier League and Champions League title.

Jota pictured celebrating with the trophy after winning the Premier League in May this year - Reuters

He continued his excellence under Arne Slot last season and was part of the celebrations in May after the club won the English title, completing his domestic haul as an FA Cup and League Cup winner.

For his country, Jota was part of the golden generation, featuring regularly in the World Cup and European championships and winning the Nations League less than a month ago.

He was part of the current Portugal squad expected to be in next year’s World Cup.

Jota’s younger brother was also a footballer, representing FC Penafiel in his home country. Tributes will pour in as the colleagues, friends and supporters digest the horrendous news.

The Liga Portugal, the professional association football league in Portugal, has shared a tribute for both Jota and his brother following the news of their fatal accident.

A post on their social media read: “A devastating piece of news that leaves the entire football universe in mourning. Two Portuguese talents who leave us far too soon.

“In this moment of immense pain, the entire Liga Portugal is deeply shaken, sharing in the grief of the families, friends, clubs, and the entire sporting community, paying heartfelt tribute to two athletes who honored Portuguese football both on and off the pitch. Rest in peace, Diogo and André.”

Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, also paid tribute in the House of Commons.

“We just received the heartbreaking news a moment ago before we came in to the chamber that he lost his life at just 28 years of age,” she said.

Ms Nandy said the whole House “is heartbroken by this news”, adding: “I wanted to send our sympathies to his family on behalf of the whole House.”

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