Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother tragically lost their lives in a horrific car crash in Spain on Thursday, sending shockwaves throughout the football world just days after Jota’s wedding.
The car, a Lamborghini, veered off the motorway and burst into flames in the municipality of Cernadilla in the northwestern Zamora province, according to the Civil Guard.
Investigation Underway
The authorities are investigating the crash, with reports suggesting that a tyre blowout may have been the cause. The UK’s PA news agency reported that authorities are looking into a possible speeding incident.
The Civil Guard stated that it’s currently impossible to determine the exact speed of the vehicle, but investigators will provide more details in their final report.
Jota’s Last Moments
According to CNN Portugal, Jota was on his way to the port city of Santander to board a ferry with his brother back to the UK, avoiding a flight on medical advice after a recent lung operation.
Tributes Pour In
Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Jota on X, saying the death “makes no sense” just after his marriage and their UEFA Nations League title with the national team.
Liverpool’s Portuguese striker Diogo Jota. Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP
Portuguese football federation president Pedro Proenca hailed Jota as “an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents, someone blessed with an infectious joy and a reference for his own community”.
Fans Pay Their Respects
A sea of shirts, scarves, flowers, balloons, photographs, and banners lay outside Liverpool’s Anfield stadium as fans flocked to pay tribute to the fallen star.
“It is just so raw. It is like a family mourning,” said Tom Barry, a 32-year-old mechanic who was wearing a red Liverpool shirt with Jota’s name and number on the back.
A Loss for Portuguese Football
Portuguese fans woke up to the devastating news, with many expressing their shock and condolences. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Jota “greatly honoured Portugal’s name”.
Former clubs Porto, Atletico Madrid, and Wolverhampton Wanderers were among the string of footballing and political figures expressing shock and condolences.
A Moment of Silence
UEFA announced a moment of silence would be observed in memory of Jota before all matches on Thursday and Friday at the Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, where Portugal were due to play Spain.