Heartbreaking news from Spain has shaken the world of football. Portuguese international Diogo Jota, a key player in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning squad, has tragically passed away in a car accident during the early hours of Thursday, July 3, in Spain. He was just 28 years old, with a glittering career and a growing young family.
According to reports from local Spanish media, the fatal accident occurred at the 65-kilometer mark of the A-52 highway, in the vicinity of Palacios de Sanabria. Emergency services received distress calls after witnesses saw a car lose control and burst into flames. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the surrounding area.
When emergency responders arrived, they found the vehicle almost destroyed and two occupants inside tragically deceased. Due to the severity of the burns, authorities identified the victims through the car’s license plate. The deceased were confirmed as Diogo Jota and his younger brother, Andre Jota, aged 26.
Andre, like Diogo, was also a professional footballer, most recently playing for Penafiel, a team in Portugal’s second division. The brothers were known to be close, sharing not only a deep family bond but also a passion for football that shaped both of their lives.
Diogo Jota’s death marks a devastating end to a career that was still ascending. After joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota quickly endeared himself to fans with his relentless work ethic, clinical finishing, and versatility in attack. He played a crucial role in helping Liverpool win 2 League Cups, 1 FA Cup, and most notably, the 2024/25 Premier League title, ending Manchester City’s recent domestic dominance.
Internationally, Jota was a regular feature in the Portugal national team, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals. He was a part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy, further cementing his legacy in Portuguese football history.
In a moving tribute released on July 3, Liverpool FC honored Jota’s memory with a heartfelt video montage and announced that his number 20 shirt would be permanently retired.
“This summer, Jota became both a Premier League and UEFA Nations League champion. Tragically, that also marked the final chapter of his brilliant but short-lived career, His iconic feint and goal in the Merseyside Derby this April now sadly stands as the final strike of his life.” the club said in a statement.
As the news spread, thousands of fans gathered outside Anfield Stadium, bringing flowers to form a memorial for the beloved striker. Social media was flooded with tributes from former teammates, coaches, and fans across the world.
What makes this tragedy even more devastating is its timing. Just ten days before the accident, on June 22, Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso in a joyous ceremony. The couple had three children together and had shared wedding photos and a heartwarming family portrait on social media with the caption “June 22, 2025. Love you forever.”
Jota’s passing is not only a loss to football but to all who admired him for his humility, dedication, and quiet charisma. He leaves behind a legacy that transcends statistics, a player who gave everything on the pitch and a man deeply loved off it.
