It is with profound sadness that we report the tragic death of Liverpool forward and Portugal international Diogo Jota, who passed away at the age of 28 in a devastating car accident in Zamora, Spain, during the early hours of this morning.
The Tragic Incident
The accident occurred at kilometer 65 of the A-52 highway, near Cernadilla in the Zamora province of western Spain. Emergency services received multiple calls around 12:35 AM reporting the incident. Jota’s vehicle suffered a tire blowout while traveling, causing the car to lose control, roll multiple times, and burst into flames.
Despite immediate response from local traffic police, Zamora provincial fire services, emergency medical units (UME), and medical personnel from Mombuey health center, both Jota and his younger brother André, 26, who was also in the vehicle, tragically died at the scene.
André Jota was also a professional footballer, playing for Portuguese club Penafiel.
Personal Life
The tragedy is made even more heartbreaking as Diogo had just married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025 – merely 10 days before this devastating accident. The couple had three children together. Reports suggest the brothers were returning from their vacation or traveling between tourist destinations in Spain.
Career Highlights
Club Career
Born on December 4, 1996, Diogo Jota began his journey at Paços de Ferreira’s academy before being recruited by Atlético Madrid, and later loaned to Porto. In summer 2017, Wolverhampton Wanderers signed him on an initial loan deal with a £14.6 million buy-out clause, which they activated just six months later.
In his debut season with Wolves, Jota scored 17 goals in the Championship, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League with his impressive performances.
Jota’s exceptional form caught Liverpool’s attention, and in 2020, he joined the Reds for a fee of £41 million (€47 million). During his time at Anfield, he made 182 appearances, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists. His contributions helped Liverpool secure three major trophies: the Premier League (2024-25), FA Cup (2021-22), and League Cup (2021-22).
International Career
Representing Portugal at the international level, Jota earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for his country. He was instrumental in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victories in both 2018-19 and 2024-25 seasons, cementing his place as a key player for the national team.
Tributes Pour In
Liverpool Football Club released an official statement: “We are devastated by the loss of Diogo Jota – an exceptional player, an exemplary teammate, and a wonderful man.” Fans have already begun creating temporary memorial displays outside Anfield Stadium.
Portugal national team teammates, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, have expressed their deep condolences and grief over the loss of the 28-year-old forward and his brother on social media.
Legacy
Diogo Jota will be remembered not only for his clinical finishing, explosive pace, and dribbling ability on the pitch, but also as a devoted family man who had just begun a new chapter of his life with his wife Rute. His sudden departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the football community and in the hearts of all who knew him.
Rest in Peace, Diogo Jota (December 4, 1996 – July 3, 2025)
From: Goldiemocksstudio