A profound shock has hit the football world: Diogo Jota, the FC Liverpool star, has died early in the morning along with his brother André Jota in a tragic car accident in Zamora. The news spread like wildfire, leaving fans and colleagues worldwide in disbelief.
Tragedy on the A52: Diogo Jota and Brother Die in Car Crash
The accident occurred around 00:40 on the Rías Bajas motorway (A52) at kilometer 65 in the direction of Benavente. The two Portuguese brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini when the vehicle veered off the road for reasons still under investigation. Initial inquiries suggest that a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver might have caused the car to lose control, leave the road, and then catch fire. Emergency services – firefighters, paramedics, and the Guardia Civil – rushed to the scene. Firefighters battled the flames, which had already spread to the surrounding vegetation, but it was too late for the occupants. Rescue services could only confirm the death of the two young men.
A Star at the Peak of His Career
Diogo Jota, born in 1996, was considered one of the most promising forwards in world football. His career began in Portugal before he moved to FC Liverpool in 2020 for an impressive 44.7 million Euros, via Atlético Madrid and Wolverhampton Wanderers. At the “Reds,” he quickly established himself as a key player, making 182 appearances, scoring 65 goals, and providing 26 assists. His impressive performances significantly contributed to Liverpool’s successes, including winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.
Jota was also a regular at the international level. As a Portuguese international, he was part of the squad that defeated Spain in the Nations League final on June 8. He was substituted in for Pedro Neto in extra time and celebrated this important triumph with his team.
Personal Loss: Wedding Just Two Weeks Before the Accident
The tragedy of the accident is further compounded by personal circumstances. Just two weeks prior, the young footballer had married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. Hours before the fatal accident, Diogo Jota himself had shared a video on his social media, showing loving memories of his wedding day.
His brother André Jota, who also died in the accident, was also active in football. He played for FC Penafiel in the Portuguese second division. The sudden loss of both brothers is an unimaginable blow to their families and the entire football community.
