By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@LFC.
Liverpool’s forward Diogo Jota died in car crash near Zamora, in northwestern Spain, Spanish state-owned TV station said on Thursday, citing local emergency services.
The Portugal forward’s brother Andre Silva also died in the accident.
The 26-year-old was also a professional footballer, with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.
The Spanish civil guard said he was found dead alongside his brother Andre Silva, after their car went off a road near the city of Zamora.
‘The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire,’ a statement read.
‘1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident.
‘From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene’.
Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he has three children, just last month.He recently posted pictures on social media, of the ceremony, which took place on 22 June.
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season and also played for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League in June.
He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds, helping them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 and the Premier League title last season.
Liverpool FC said in a statement that the club is ‘devastated’ by the tragedy and that Diogo’s family, friends and fans had suffered an ‘unimaginable loss’. Flowers and tributes are being laid outside Anfield today, with many fans in tears.
Jota moved to Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2017, initially on a season-long loan before making the switch permanent, and he went on to score 44 goals in 131 appearances across his three seasons with the club.
“We are heartbroken,” read a Wolves statement. “Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him.
“The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother.”
Jota, who made his international debut in 2019, played his final match for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League on 8 June. He scored 14 goals in 49 appearances.
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” read a FPF statement.
“Much more than an amazing player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s friend and teammate and Portugal’s greatest player, said today: ‘It doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together for the national team, you were just 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. RIP. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you’.
European football’s governing body Uefa has confirmed there will be a minute’s silence before Portugal’s women’s Euros game against Spain on Thursday.