Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother have died after a car crash in Spain this morning.
Jota, 28, was killed when their Lamborghini left the A-52 road in Zamora in the northwest of the country.
Spanish police have confirmed that their vehicle suffered a tyre blow out while overtaking another car. It burst into flames moments after the crash and it is not known who was driving.
His death comes less than two weeks after he married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children – two sons and a baby daughter.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £40million.
The Portugal international has been a key figure at Anfield, winning the Premier League title last season under Arne Slot. He previously played for Paços de Ferreira, Porto and Atletico Madrid and won 49 caps for his country.
A statement from The Guardia Civil said: ‘The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.
‘It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.’
Follow all the developments on Diogo Jota’s death with Metro’s LIVE blog.
Ruben Dias posts a heartfelt message
Manchester City and Portugal defender Ruben Dias writes: ‘You won your first Premier League, we won the Nations League together, you got married… it doesn’t make sense. We won’t forget you, for the man… for the father… for the brother… for the son and for the tireless and talented teammate you always were on the field. May you both rest in peace 🤍.’
Roberto Firmino: ‘It was a privilege and an honour to have known and lived such special moments alongside you.’
Liverpool icon Roberto Firmino posted on social media: ‘When words fail, there are only inexpressible groans. And for that reason I get on my knees, praying that the Holy Spirit comforts the heart of Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda, Seu Joaquim, Lady Isabel and all the family and friends.
‘It was a privilege and an honour to have known and lived such special moments alongside you. Rest in Peace to my brother Jota, and Andre.’
Former Wolves teammates in mourning
Raul Jimenez, now with Fulham who played with Jota at Molineux, wrote: ‘It’s hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can’t believe it. An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father.
‘Thanks for everything, my friend. We’ll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P.’
Ruben Neves, a teammate at Wolves and with Portugal, posted on Instagram: ‘They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!’
Former Wolves and Portugal forward Ivan Cavaleiro wrote: ‘A huge shock for all of us, lots of strength to the family and friends. Thank you for all these fantastic moments.’
Wolverhampton Wanderers posted a statement, which read: ‘We are heartbroken.
‘Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.
‘The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.’
Learn more about the life of Andre Silva
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr posts his tribute
The Brazilian superstar wrote on Instagram: ‘Rest in peace Diogo and your brother Andre Silva!
‘Much strength to the whole family.’
The stream of tributes at Anfield continues
Dominik Szoboszlai: ‘Words can not describe how heartbroken and devastated we are’
Hungary captain and Jota’s Liverpool teammate, Dominik Szoboszlai, hailed the man and the player.
‘Words can not describe how heartbroken and devastated we are… Your smile, your love for the game will never be forgotten,’ Szoboszlai wrote on social media.
‘We will miss you so much, but you will stay with us forever, on and off the pitch. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
‘Rest in peace, brother.’
European giants observe moments of silence
Some of the biggest teams on the planet are competing at the Club World Cup and the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and Chelsea all posted their minute’s silences from America this morning in honour of Diogo and Andre.
Lionel Messi adds his condolences
The legendary Lionel Messi has posted his own tribute, writing ‘QEPD’ on a picture of Jota.
QEPD means Que En Paz Descanse, which is Spanish for RIP.
Harvey Elliott: ‘It’s hard to put into words how much this hurts us’
Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott writes: ‘I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I’ll carry with me forever.’
The Liverpool and England Under-21 star posted on Instagram: ‘Diogo, I can’t believe you’re gone. It’s hard to put into words how much this hurts us.
‘You were an incredible footballer…the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You were humble, hardworking, kind, and always there for anyone that needed anything.
‘I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I’ll carry with me forever. You’ll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family. We will never, ever forget you.
‘My heart goes out to your whole family.
‘Love you brother ❤️
‘Rest easy Diogo and Andre
‘You’ll Never Walk Alone ❤️’
