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| Diogo Jota, left, and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrate following Portugal's victory in the penalty shootout during the UEFA EURO 2024 round-of-16 match against Slovenia at Frankfurt Arena on July 1, 2024 in Germany |
Tragic Accident on A‑52 in Spain Claims Lives of Two Portuguese Footballers
In the early hours of July 3, 2025, Liverpool and Portugal attacker Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his brother André Silva, aged 25, perished in a devastating single‑vehicle collision on Spain’s A‑52 motorway near Cernadilla in Zamora Province. Both were traveling to catch a ferry to England—Jota upon medical advice after a lung procedure—and their rented Lamborghini Huracán veered off the road, burst into flames, and left no survivors.
Police Point to High Speed and Tyre Failure
According to the Civil Guard’s preliminary report, the car was traveling well above the posted 120 km/h limit when a rear tyre blew out during an overtaking maneuver. Investigators have confirmed Diogo Jota was behind the wheel, citing tyre tread marks and telematics studies . Excessive speed emerged as a key contributing factor, with forensic evidence still under review.
Emotional Tributes Flood In From Football World and Beyond
Cristiano Ronaldo's Heartfelt Message
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently shared a pitch with Jota during the UEFA Nations League final, expressed deep disbelief:
“It doesn’t make sense… We were just together in the national team, you had just got married… Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We’ll all miss you.”
Liverpool FC, Teammates, and Legends
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Liverpool FC released a statement describing the loss as “devastating”, urging privacy for the family.
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Manager Arne Slot: “Diogo was not just our player… a loved one to all of us.”
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Jürgen Klopp and Bruno Fernandes joined the chorus of grief, praising Jota’s character and legacy.
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Tributes also came from Manchester United, PSG (including LeBron James and Mbappé), Alphonso Horne, and global political leaders.
National Mourning Initiatives
Portugal’s football federation ordered a period of mourning, with UEFA approving a minute’s silence before its Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain. The Portuguese government and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also issued condolences, honouring Jota’s contribution to Portuguese sport.
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| Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, holding the trophy, and Diogo Jota, far right, celebrate winning the UEFA Nations League with teammates at the Munich Football Arena on June 8, 2025, in Munich, Germany |
Astonishing Personal Tragedy: Newly Married, with Young Family
Jota had married his partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025—just 11 days before the crash—and left behind three children. His brother André, a midfielder at Penafiel, had recently graduated in business and established a company with Jota. The funeral was held in Gondomar, Porto, and tributes at Anfield stadium included flowers, scarves, and a spontaneous memorial.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
Road Safety on A‑52
A near-fatal crash eight days before involving a local driver highlights potential road faults on this route. Experts urge a detailed review of A‑52’s safety measures given multiple serious incidents in the same location.
Club, National Team & Personal Security Conscience
This tragedy may prompt Liverpool FC and the Portuguese Football Federation to reassess off‑duty safety protocols for players. It echoes earlier incidents involving star athletes and underscores the mix of high-performance vehicles, intense schedules, and compressed travel increasing risk.
Legal Investigation & Accountability
The full report—detailing tyre failure, speed, driver identity, and road conditions—is expected in mid-July. Potential legal outcomes include liability for tyre maintenance or road engineering flaws. Jota's family is reportedly receiving his remaining contract salary in installments—a gesture from Liverpool FC.
Remembering Two Lives Taken Too Soon
Diogo Jota emerged from Porto’s football academies to become a Premier League star, Premier League champion and 49‑cap Portugal international. His brother André combined sport with business—a university graduate with entrepreneurial spirit . Their double passing chills the global sporting community.
A Nation United in Grief and Reflection
The passing of Diogo Jota and André Silva has sent ripples across world football and beyond—triggering mass mourning, heartfelt tributes, and urgent questions about safety for high-profile individuals. As investigations proceed, their memories will continue to inspire reforms in athlete welfare and road safety standards.