MADRID (AP) — The Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car accident in Spain when the Lamborghini they were traveling in veered off the road and burst into flames, authorities said Thursday.
The Spanish Guardia Civil confirmed to The Associated Press that Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, were found dead near the northwestern town of Zamora.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight local time. Police said they are investigating the causes and that the bodies were undergoing forensic analysis.
Jota and Silva, both Portuguese footballers, were the only occupants in the car, according to authorities.
It was not immediately clear who was driving, but police are examining the possibility that a tire blew out as the car attempted to overtake another vehicle.
The brothers were traveling east along a desolate stretch of highway, about an hour west of Zamora, when the crash occurred.
“The car overturned, caught fire, and the result was lethal,” said Ángel Blanco, a Zamora government official.
Spanish outlets published video images of the crash’s aftermath. They showed tire marks veering off the road toward damaged guardrails, while the burned vehicle could be seen several meters away.
Firefighters were summoned as flames spread to nearby vegetation, authorities said.
Jota’s death comes weeks after he married Rute Cardoso.
“Yes, forever,” Cardoso wrote on her Instagram profile. They had three children, the youngest of whom was born last year.
Jota also played for Portugal’s national team, part of the squad that claimed the Nations League title last month.
Silva played in the youth divisions of the Portuguese club Penafiel.
Liverpool said it was “devastated by the tragic death.”
“Liverpool FC will not offer further comments at this time and asks for privacy for Diogo’s and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff as they cope with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with all our support.”
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton in 2020 and won three major trophies with the Merseyside club, including the Premier League title last season.
The Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement lamenting the deaths. Federation president Pedro Proença said Portuguese football was “completely devastated.”
“More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by teammates and opponents alike. He had a contagious joy and was a beacon in his community,” Proença said in the statement.
The federation said it has requested a moment of silence before Thursday’s match between Portugal and Spain in the Women’s Euro tournament being held in Switzerland.
“We have lost two champions,” said Proença. “Their deaths are an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do our best to honor their legacy every day.”
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro lamented the deaths as “unexpected and tragic.” He said Jota was “an athlete who greatly honored the name of Portugal.”
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” he said. “It is a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the “devastating news.”
“I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say our first thoughts are with his family and friends in particular,” Starmer said. “There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans and those who aren’t fans at all who will be shaken by this. It’s devastating, and it’s truly important to acknowledge how hard this period will be for his friends and his family.”
Reactions also began pouring in from around the world, including athletes from other disciplines such as NBA star LeBron James and tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
“This makes no sense,” said Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s teammate with the national team. “We had just been together in the national squad, you had just married. My condolences to your family, your wife and your children. I wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
Porto, his former club, and several former teammates mourned the deaths and extended condolences, as did other clubs, federations and leagues.
The Premier League said it was “shocked and devastated.”
“Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC and all his supporters at this painful moment,” the league said. “Football has lost a champion who will be missed forever. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”
UEFA said its thoughts were with the families, friends and teammates affected “by this heartbreaking loss.” It said a minute of silence would be held at the women’s Euro matches on Thursday and Friday.
