Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident in northwestern Spain early Thursday, according to local authorities. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed the 28-year-old footballer and his 25-year-old brother were traveling near Zamora when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire. No other vehicles were involved.
Police are investigating whether a blown tire during an attempted overtaking maneuver caused the crash on an isolated stretch of highway near the Portuguese border. Forensic analysis of the bodies is underway, and authorities have not yet determined who was driving.
Jota, who recently married partner Rute Cardoso weeks before the tragedy, leaves behind three children. The Portuguese international had just completed a successful season with Liverpool, helping secure the Premier League title. Cardoso had shared a heartfelt social media post after their wedding, writing: "Yes to forever."
Video footage from the scene showed skid marks leading to destroyed guardrails, with the burnt vehicle resting meters away in charred vegetation. A passing truck driver captured footage of the flaming wreckage.
The football community mourns as preparations begin for Saturday's funeral in Porto, Portugal. Jota's sudden death at the peak of his career has sent shockwaves through global sports circles.
