Shockwaves have rippled across the football world after Liverpool star Diogo Jota tragically lost his life in a fiery car crash.
His passing came just 10 days after the Liverpool and Portugal forward, aged 28, tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart.
Diogo’s 26-year-old brother, Andre, was also in the car and lost his life in the crash.
Highlights
- Liverpool star Diogo Jota tragically lost his life in a fiery car crash.
- Diogo’s 26-year-old brother, Andre, was also in the car at the time.
- “We have lost two champions,” the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said.
- The tragic passing of the brothers took place just days after Diogo married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso.
Liverpool star Diogo Jota tragically lost his life in a fiery car crash
Image credits: Maja Hitij - UEFA/UEFA
The two professional footballers were driving a Lamborghini in the city of Zamora in northwestern Spain when the accident took place.
The supercar reportedly careened off the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52) near Palacios de Sanabria at around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3.
Image credits: diogoj_18
It is believed one of the Lamborghini's tires may have blown out while overtaking another vehicle, leading to the car veering off the road and catching fire.
There was also reportedly some construction work taking place on the same highway.
The tragic passing came less than two weeks after Diogo married his childhood sweetheart
Image credits: rutecfcardoso14
“A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tire burst while overtaking,” the Guardia Civil in Zamora told Sky Sports News.
“As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed,” they continued.
“Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe.”
Image credits: diogoj_18
The tragic passing of the brothers took place just days after Diogo married Rute Cardoso on June 22.
The couple share two sons and a baby girl.
“Yes to forever,” he said while announcing his marriage on social media.
The Liverpool and Portugal forward shared two sons and one daughter with Rute Cardoso
Image credits: rutecfcardoso14
Diogo, one of Portugal’s brightest football stars, signed for Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of more than £40million.
He played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win last season.
Image credits: rutecfcardoso14
The deceased player was also on the winning side when Portugal beat Spain in the final of the Nations League last month.
His younger brother was also a professional footballer and played for the Portuguese second division club Pennafiel.
Diogo's younger brother, who was also a football player, lost his life alongside his brother
Image credits: FC Porto
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released a statement and said “all of Portuguese football are completely devastated.”
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself,” the statement said.
“We have lost two champions,” the message continued. “The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.”
Fans and football stars shared their grief over the football star’s life being unexpectedly cut short.
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo said “it doesn't make sense.”
Fellow football players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruben Neves shared heartfelt tributes
Sharing a heartbreaking message about his Portugal teammate, Cristiano said, “We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married.”
“To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you,” read his message on social media.
Diogo’s former teammate Ruben Neves also shared a tribute and said, “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”
Fans mourned the loss of the Liverpool star and said, “Imagine losing both sons at the same time, painful man.”
“I will never forget you!” Ruben Neves wrote on social media
Image credits: rubendsneves
“Give him the ball and he'll score.... RIP champion,” said one fan.
Another wrote, “this can't be true...he has just wedded his wife a few days ago.”
“This has just sent a cold shiver down my spine,” one said.
“Imagine losing both sons at the same time, painful man,” one wrote online
