Zamora, Spain – July 3, 2025 – Liverpool FC and Portugal national team forward Diogo Jota, aged 28, has tragically died in a car accident in the Zamora region of Spain, near the Portuguese border, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred early Thursday morning on the A-52 highway near Palacios de Sanabria.
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Spanish media, including Marca and AS, report that Jota was traveling with his brother, Andre Jota, a 26-year-old footballer for Peñafiel, when their vehicle veered off the road and caught fire. Emergency services, including the Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and firefighters, responded to the scene, but both individuals were pronounced dead on-site.
Jota, who recently married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, in Porto, leaves behind his wife and three children. The couple had been together since their teenage years, and their wedding was celebrated widely by fans and teammates.
The Portuguese striker, known for his clinical finishing and dynamic play, joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £45 million. He played a key role in the club’s successes under managers Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, including their recent Premier League title win. Despite battling injuries during the 2024/25 season, Jota remained a fan favorite, with memorable goals in matches against Everton and Crystal Palace.
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Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing their devastation: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” Tributes have poured in from fans, teammates, and rival clubs, with Newcastle United’s supporters’ trust and others expressing condolences on social media.
The football community mourns the loss of a talented player whose career was marked by resilience and brilliance. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, with no further details released at this time.
