Liverpool and Portugal national team forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident alongside his younger brother, André Silva, Spanish authorities confirmed Thursday. The tragic incident occurred just after midnight near Zamora, a city in western Spain.

According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini when the vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames. Emergency crews responded to the scene, where the fire had spread to surrounding vegetation. No other vehicles were involved, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Forensic analysis is underway.

Jota, 28, was a key figure at Liverpool Football Club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. He helped secure three major trophies for the Merseyside club, including last season’s Premier League title. His brother André Silva, 25, played in Portugal’s lower divisions for Penafiel.

The news comes just weeks after Jota married longtime partner Rute Cardoso. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year. In a recent social media post, Jota had written, “Yes to forever,” celebrating his wedding.

Liverpool FC expressed devastation over the loss, releasing a statement saying:
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and André’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.”

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also paid tribute to the late forward, who earned nearly 50 caps for the national team and recently helped secure the UEFA Nations League title.

“More than a fantastic player, Diogo was an extraordinary person, respected by colleagues and opponents alike,” said FPF President Pedro Proena. “We lost two champions. Their deaths are an irreparable loss for Portuguese football.”

The federation has requested a minute of silence ahead of Portugal’s match against Spain at the Women’s European Championship in Switzerland.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also offered condolences, describing Jota as “an athlete who greatly honored Portugal’s name on the world stage.”

The outpouring of grief extended across the footballing world. Former club FC Porto and teammates paid tribute, while UEFA released a statement saying its thoughts were with the victims’ families, friends, and teammates in the wake of “this heartbreaking loss.”

The football community now mourns the sudden and devastating loss of two young lives, remembered not only for their talent on the pitch but for their spirit and influence off it.