Diogo Jota passes on just 11 days after marrying childhood sweetheart

Liverpool FC and Portugal footballer Diogo Jota has died in a devastating car crash in northern Spain, just days after marrying his childhood sweetheart.

The 28-year-old forward and his younger brother, André Silva, 26, died early on Tuesday, 3 July, when their Lamborghini veered off the road near Zamora, close to the Portugal border.

Reports suggest the supercar’s tyre blew out while overtaking on the A-52 motorway at Cernadilla shortly before 1AM.

The vehicle rolled and burst into flames, with emergency services unable to save the brothers.

A star cut short

Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 for £41m, was a key player in the Reds’ 2024/2025 Premier League title win, scoring six goals in 26 appearances.

He also earned nearly 50 caps for Portugal, helping them clinch the Nations League last month in a dramatic penalty shootout against Spain.

His brother, André, played for Portuguese second-tier side Penafiel.

A tragic loss for family, club and country

Liverpool FC said they were “devastated”, calling Jota’s death an “unimaginable loss” for his loved ones and fans.

The Portuguese Football Federation paid tribute, saying: “He was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents.”

A love story cut short

Just 11 days before the crash, Jota married Rute Cardoso, his partner since age 16 and mother of his three children.

In his final Instagram post, the footballer shared heartfelt wedding footage, writing: “The luckiest man in the world.”

Rute had also posted wedding photos, calling it “my dream come true”, to which Jota replied: “I’m the lucky one.”

A name that stood out

Born Diogo Silva, the Liverpool star changed his surname to Jota to stand out in football—while his brother kept the family name.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with fans and teammates mourning a talented player and devoted family man gone too soon.