Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota has died in a tragic car accident in Spain, along with his brother, André Silva. The 28-year-old Portugal international was travelling with Silva in the Zamora region of Sanabria when their vehicle left the road and caught fire early Thursday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene on the A52 highway near Palacios de Sanabria shortly before 1:00 a.m. local time. According to the Zamora provincial council, firefighters responded to the incident, but both occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

Local authorities say the accident was likely caused by a blown-out tyre. A statement from Spain’s Guardia Civil confirmed the car, a Lamborghini, veered off the road while overtaking in the municipality of Cernadilla and caught fire. “The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed,” the statement read.

Jota had only recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22. The couple had three children. His younger brother, André Silva, 26, played professionally for Portuguese second-division side FC Penafiel.

Liverpool Football Club expressed deep sorrow following confirmation of the news, releasing a statement shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Thursday:
“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’s family, friends, teammates 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.”

Jota was a key figure in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title-winning campaign, making 26 appearances and scoring six goals. He was on holiday at the time of the accident, following Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory last month.

The Portuguese Football Federation also issued a heartfelt tribute:
“Much more than a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his team-mates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference point in his own community.”

Federation President Fernando Gomes expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said UEFA had been asked to observe a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Women’s European Championship match against Spain on Thursday.

“We’ve lost two champions,” the federation added. “The deaths of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy on a daily basis.”

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite with his energy, skill, and eye for goal. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the football world.