By Alex Terrell Connor Greaves Tom Sheen
DIOGO JOTA has tragically died alongside his brother in a car crash while on holiday in Spain.
The devastating news comes just days after the Liverpool and Portugal star, 28, got married to Rute Cardoso on June 22.
The Portuguese football federation and Liverpool FC confirmed the tragedy with statements.
Liverpool said expressed their “deep sadness” and highlighted his “professionalism, humanity and commitment to the club.”
The Portuguese federation said the loss of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, represent “irreparable losses for Portuguese football.”
Tributes flooded in for the international star, who was a crucial part of Liverpool winning the league under Arne Slot in 2024-25.
The versatile attacker signed at Anfield from Wolves in 2020, after spells at Atletico Madrid and Porto.
Jota and Andre Silva – who played professional for Portuguese second division team Penafiel – were driving towards Portugal from Spain, according to local authorities.
The car is said to have gone off the road and caught fire.
Who is Diogo Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso?
Jota and Rute Cardoso first met in 2012 aged just 13.
They went to high school together in Porto and have been together since, with Rute following Diogo throughout his career.
They have have three children together – their two sons are Dinis and Duarte while the the name of their third child, a daughter, is unknown.
Diogo and Rute were engaged in July 2022 at a lake.
They were married in their hometown of Porto on June 22, 2025.
Pictures shared recently on social media showed the wedding with Diogo and Rute pictured together with their three kids.
In the caption of the picture, Rute wrote: “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.”
On Jota’s post, he wrote: “A day we will never forget.”
A later post from Rute had the caption: “My dream come true.”
Jota left a comment that read: “I’m the lucky one.”
Tributes pour in
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world and beyond in honour of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro paid tribute by saying: 鈥淭he news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
鈥淚 leave the family my deepest condolences. It’s a sad day for football and for national and international sport.鈥
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher posted on Instagram: 鈥淎bsolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota.
鈥淭houghts are with his wife Rute and their three kids.鈥
Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said: 鈥淭hat is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother.
鈥淎ll my love and best wishes to his family.鈥
Arsenal fan and broadcaster Morgan added: 鈥淒esperately sad news coming out of Spain that Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, has died, along with his brother, in a car accident in Zamora.
鈥淗e only got married 2 weeks ago. Heart-breaking.鈥
Newcastle hero Alan Shearer added: 鈥淗eartbreaking.鈥
Former England goalie David Seaman noted: 鈥淪uch a devastating loss. My deepest condolences to his family.鈥
Former Man Utd star David De Gea posted online: 鈥淪ometimes life is very cruel.鈥
And ex-Red Devil Rio Ferdinand added: 鈥淎bsolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family and friends.鈥
The Portuguese FA have now paid tribute to their late winger, who they’ve vowed to honour going forward.
It read: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andr茅 Silva, this morning, in Spain.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship, lost to two champs.
“The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honour their legacy.”
Liverpool FC’s statement read: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre鈥檚 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.”