Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old striker for Liverpool, died in an car accident. The disaster, which happened in the Spanish region of Zamora, also claimed the life of the Portugal forward’s brother, Andre Silva The 26-year-old played football professionally for Penafiel, a second-tier team in Portugal.
According to the Guardia Civil, Jota and his brother passed away on Thursday at around 00:30 local time, as reported by BBC Sport. They claimed that when passing another car, their Lamborghini’s tire blew out, causing it to leave the road and catch fire. Just last month, Jota wed Rute Cardoso, his longtime partner with whom he has three children.
He just shared images from the event, which was held on June 22, on social media. Jota played for Portugal as they defeated Spain in the June Nations League final and assisted Liverpool in winning the Premier League last season.
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” according to a statement from the FPF.
“Diogo Jota was not just a fantastic player with almost 50 international appearances; he was also a remarkable individual who was admired by both opponents and teammates, had a contagious smile, and was a role model in the community.
“Two champions have left us. We shall make every effort to uphold Diogo and Andre Silva’s legacy every day since their deaths constitute irreversible losses for Portuguese football. Uefa, the organization that oversees European football, has been asked by the FPF to observe a minute of quiet before to Portugal’s Women’s Euros match against Spain on Thursday.
Jota’s brother played youth football with Porto, where he spent the 2016–17 season on loan.
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva,” stated the club in a statement. “Rest in peace.”
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