Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has sadly passed away in a car crash, Afrosport reports.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was a professional footballer with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel, have been confirmed dead following an accident in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Reports suggest that a tyre blowout forced their car, a Lamborghini, to change course, while overtaking, before catching fire.
The 28-year-old, who had the three children, married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, last month.
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season, contributing six goals and four assists in 26 games. He was also part of the Portuguese side that beat Spain in the Nations League final in June.
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” a FPF statement read.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.”
The FPF also requested that UEFA observe a minute’s silence during Thursday’s Women’s Euros game where Portugal will take on before neighbours Spain.
Meanwhile, Portuguese club Porto, where his brother was a youth player and where he spent a season-long loan, wrote:
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva,” read a club statement. “Rest in peace.”
Jota came through the ranks at Pacos de Ferreira academy in his country, Portugal, before securing a move to Atletico Madrid in 2016.
He was sent on loan to Porto, his city of birth, before another loan move to English side Wolverhampton Wanderers, who he joined permanently in 2018.
The forward played two years at the Molineux and Liverpool snapped him up in September 2020.
With Reds, he also won the FA Cup and League Cup and played a part in their 2021-22 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
Jota made his international debut for Portugal in November 2019, and featured at two European Championships (2022 and 2024). He missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury but won two Nations League titles.
