Farewell, Jota - 28-year-old Liverpool striker died in a car accident and died with his younger brother

On July 3, 2025, the world football ushered in its most painful day. Liverpool striker and Portuguese international Diogo Jota died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28. His younger brother, Andre Silva, who plays for Portugal's second-tier team Penafil, was also killed in the accident at the age of 26. The accident occurred at 0:30 am local time on July 3, Spain, on the A-52 expressway in the city of Cernadilla, Zamora Province. According to preliminary police reports, the vehicle driven by the two brothers exploded during overtaking, then broke out of control and rushed out of the road and caught fire. The scene was tragic and heartbreaking.

What is even more unacceptable is that Jota just ushered in the happiest moment of his life - less than two weeks ago, he and his many years of partner officially entered the marriage hall, leaving behind three young children. On June 22, he posted his marriage news on social platforms and wrote a short but firm vow: "Yes, forever ♾️".

Image source Jota social media

"This is not a moment about football, but about the cruelty of life."

Liverpool Club issued a statement at the first time confirming Jota's death: "Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by Diogo Jota's tragic death. We will no longer comment on this matter, and we urge the outside world to respect the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff so that they can slowly accept this unimaginable blow in grief. The club will continue to provide them with full support."

Image source Liverpool official website

In the view of club legend Carragher, such bad news surpasses football itself: "This is the moment that makes the entire football family frozen instantly. I can't believe it is true. He just got married, and his three children are so young. This pain makes people speechless... This summer, he just won the Premier League championship with Liverpool, won the National League again, and just entered marriage. The impermanence of life is simply unbearable."

"No language Words can comfort such pain."

Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunes wrote on Instagram: "No language can comfort such pain. I will always remember your warm smile, you are a good teammate on and off the court. I give all my strength to your family, especially your wife and three children. Wherever you are, I believe you will always be with them."

Image source Ronaldo's social media

Portuguese national team captain C Ronaldo also posted a message to mourn: "Nothing makes sense. We were together in the national team not long ago, and you just got married not long ago. I send my most painful condolences and all the strength to your family, wife and children. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre, we will miss you forever."

Portuguese Football Association said: "Portugal football has lost two championships. This is an irreparable loss. We will do our best to remember and continue their spirit."

UEFA has agreed to a minute of silence before the European Cup match between the Portuguese Women's Football Team and Spain, and this mourning arrangement will be added to many events.

Beloved and remembered: Wolves, Porto, and the entire football world mourn him

Jota played for Wolves for three years and was an important contributor to the team's advancement to the Premier League. The Wolves released a memorial saying: "We are heartbroken. Diogo is the love of the fans, the friend of the teammates, and the eternal treasure in the hearts of all our staff. The memories he brings will never be erased."

Image source The Wolves' official website

Porto Club also expressed his condolences, recalling Andre spending time in his youth training system: "We are deeply shocked and sad. Please rest in peace."

Former England player Gary Neville briefly wrote: "Heartbreak news. Send all the love and deepest blessings to his family."

From Portugal to Anfield, he has always been the most underrated superstar

Diogo Jota was born in Porto, Portugal in 1996. From youth training to professional arena, he has never been favored by luck for too long, but he always uses his performance to make people unable to ignore it. In 2017, Wolves promoted to the Premier League. After transferring to Liverpool in 2020, he gradually became an indispensable member of the team. He won several key goals for Liverpool with his keen sense of goal, tireless running and strong team sense.

In the past season, he helped the Reds win the Premier League championship and contributed to the national team. Everything seemed to be heading for the peak - until fate cruelly pressed the end button.

Photo source Liverpool official website

When people recall Jota, they will not only remember his hard work on the court, but also his quiet, humble, full of love and responsibility in life. A hard-working teenager, loyal husband, gentle father, a football player who is loved by all teammates and respected by all fans.

Today, we have not just lost one player. What we lose is a burning life, an unfinished future, and the sincere and shining player in the memory of countless people.

May he and his younger brother sleep in embrace each other in heaven. May his wife and children be treated tenderly by the world in endless sorrow. May Jota leave the world not only goals, but also the love and purity.

Diogo Jota (1996–2025), Goodbye.