Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28.
Jota’s 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, was also killed in the accident. He was a footballer with Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.
The accident happened at 12.30am local time (11.30pm BST) on the A-52 motorway in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora.
The car Jota and his brother were travelling in left the road and caught fire after a tyre burst while overtaking.
Jota had married his long-term partner fewer than two weeks ago, and had three children.
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves, who he had first joined on loan in 2017 before making the move permanent in 2018.
The 28-year-old helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season as well as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in 2022.
Liverpool said in a statement: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, team-mates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Porto, where both Jota and his brother had played, also said: “Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep regret that we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our youth player. May they rest in peace.”
Source: Sky Sports
