The Independent
·3 Juli 2025
Diogo Jota dead: Liverpool and Portugal forward dies in car accident aged 28

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsThe Independent
·3 Juli 2025
Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has died aged 28 after his car crashed off the side of a motorway and erupted in flames.
Jota was in the car with his 26-year-old brother, Andre, a footballer for FC Penafiel in Portugal, who also died. No other vehicles were involved in the crash shortly after midnight local time, Spanish authorities said.
The car left the road after a tyre blew out during the overtaking of another vehicle, the Spanish Civil Guard told The Independent. A charred patch of grass divides the two carriageways of the northwestern A-52 motorway, where the crumpled body of the Lamborghini lay before it was removed on Thursday.
Jota won his first Premier League with Liverpool just months ago (Reuters)
Liverpool FC said they were “devastated” by Jota’s death and requested privacy for the family as they come to terms with an “unimaginable loss”. The Portuguese star scored 65 goals during five years at the club, in which he played a major role in a host of trophy wins.
Jota married long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, in Porto less than two weeks ago. “A day we will never forget,” reads the caption of his last Instagram post, which shows a video of the wedding day.
Tributes poured in throughout Thursday from players, clubs, sporting figures and football fans, who just months earlier witnessed Jota win his first Premier League title.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the “sense of shock is absolute” for the club.
“Diogo was not just our player,” he said. “He was a loved one to all of us.
“I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals.
“The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.”
Slot said the player “never sought popularity” but gained it anyway and was a friend to everyone, able to make others feel good about themselves “just by being with them”.
He said the last time they spoke he wished Jota luck for his upcoming wedding.
“In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this,” Slot added.
The Portugal international joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and established himself as a key attacker under Jurgen Klopp and latterly Arne Slot, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup in his five-year spell at Anfield.
The scene of the crash on the A-52 motorway in northwest Spain (Emilio Fraile/PA Wire)
Wolves said Jota was “adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him”. They added: “The memories he created will never be forgotten.”
The Portugal national side said Jota was “not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps ... but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents”.
Jurgen Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolves and was his manager at Liverpool until 2024, said he was “heartbroken” by the news.
“This is a moment where I struggle!” he posted on Instagram. “There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André.
“Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids ... and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.”
Jota alongside his brother, Andre (X/@FCPorto)
National teammate Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute on Instagram. “Doesn’t make any sense,” he wrote. “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married.
“To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them.”
Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro posted on social media: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Porto FC, a major club in Jota’s home city where he played on loan during the 2016-17 season, said it is “in mourning” after the death of Jota and Andre, who was also in the youth ranks.
Many current and former players paid tribute. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning.
“Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
Harvey Elliott, a Liverpool youngster who made his debut shortly before Jota joined, left a heartfelt tribute for his teammate. “I can’t put into words how much this hurts us,” Elliott said.
“You were an incredible footballer... the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You were humble, hardworking, kind, and always there for anyone that needed anything.
“I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I’ll carry with me forever. You’ll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family, We will never, ever forget you.”
Jota won the Nations League trophy with Portugal earlier this month (Reuters)
Darwin Nunez, another Liverpool teammate, said there are “no words to comfort you for so much pain”. He added: “I will always remember you with your smile, as a good teammate on and off the field.”
Jota’s former Wolves teammate and Portugal international Ruben Neves said: “They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you."
Steven Gerrard, one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, said: “RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”
Prince William said in a post on X that as “part of the footballing family” he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Jota’s death.
And tennis legend Rafael Nadal said it was “sad news” and offered his “thoughts and affection” to Jota’s family.
Tributes to Jota at Anfield, home of Liverpool (PA)
Darts star Stephen Bunting, a well-known Liverpool fan, posted a picture of him alongside the footballer.
He wrote: “Such sad news I’m hearing. RIP Diogo Jota. What a lovely person. Such a sad day for the football world and beyond. Only just married too. My heart goes out to the family and we are all sending our prayers.”
The governing body for European football, Uefa, said it is “deeply saddened” to hear of Jota’s loss, while a host of Premier League clubs offered their condolences.
Jota with Liverpool teammate Curtis Jones (PA)
Born in Porto in 1996, Jota joined the Pacos de Ferreira youth setup in 2013 before making his senior debut in autumn 2014.
He first appeared in Portugal’s top division in February 2015, becoming the youngest player at his club to score in the top division. Jota joined Spanish club Atletico Madrid in 2016, before his move to the Premier League one year later.
After starring for Wolverhampton Wanderers for three years, he stepped up to a Liverpool team who had just won the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp.
Already known for his pace, dribbling and lethal ball-striking ability with both feet, Jota arrived at Anfield in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions. He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the Uefa Nations League.