Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota dies aged 28 in tragic car crash
The football world is in deep shock following the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash at just 28 years old. Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, a 25-year-old professional footballer for Penafiel, died when their Lamborghini had a tyre blowout while overtaking in Zamora, Spain.
Jota was on his way back to Liverpool for pre-season training, travelling by car and ferry after minor surgery had disallowed him from flying. Just 11 days earlier, he had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children.
Liverpool described Jota’s death as ‘a tragedy that transcends’ the club. Manager Arne Slot paid tribute, calling him ‘the essence of what a Liverpool player should be.’ Fans gathered outside Anfield, laying flowers, scarves, shirts, and flags at the Hillsborough memorial.
Steve Rotheram, metro mayor of Liverpool City Region, said, 'The success that he has helped bring to this city will never be forgotten.’
A wake for Jota and his brother is scheduled for Friday in Porto, followed by their funeral on Saturday. Liverpool has opened books of condolence at Anfield for supporters to pay their respects.
