Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, has died in a car crash in northwestern Spain, just days after his wedding. According to reports from Spain’s state broadcaster TVE and local emergency services, the fatal accident occurred on Thursday, July 3, 2025, along the A-52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria, in the province of Zamora, Spain.
Jota was travelling with his younger brother, André Jota, 26, also a professional footballer. Both men died on the spot after their vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames.
The tragedy comes barely two weeks after Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22. His death has cast a deep pall over the football world.
Since joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota had become one of the club’s most reliable goal scorers, netting 47 goals in 123 appearances. His explosive pace, technical skill, and big-match temperament made him a fan favourite at Anfield and a key figure for the Portuguese national team.
The accident comes on the heels of what had been a triumphant season for the forward—helping Liverpool secure the Premier League title and playing a key role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League success.
His sudden death has left fans, teammates, and the broader football community in mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the globe for a player widely regarded as one of the brightest talents of his generation.
