He had three children. Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died in a car crash. His brother, Andre Silva, was also killed in the crash on the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52) near Palacios de Sanabria, heading towards Benavente. Jota and Silva were driving to Santander to catch a ferry back to England ahead of the start of Liverpool’s pre-season training on Monday, CNN Portugal reports. The news outlet reports that Jota was advised against flying back to England due to recent surgery. (Photo: Diogo Jota and his widow).

Police said the accident happened at 12.30am when the Lamborghini the pair were travelling in veered off the road. “A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking,” the Guardia Civil in Zamora told Sky Sports News in a statement. “As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed. Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe.”

A Spanish government source told the PA news agency that police were investigating the crash as “a possible speeding incident”. Police added that no other vehicles were involved in the incident. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road, including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle. It comes just 10 days after the player married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso.

The footballer, who played as a striker for Liverpool, began his career in his native Portugal and played at Atletico Madrid in Spain before moving to England. He joined the Merseyside club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. Jota played an important role throughout his five years with the Reds, including scoring six times in Liverpool’s recent Premier League-winning season. He scored a total of 47 times in 123 matches for the club. He also played 49 times for the Portugal national side, scoring 14 times. Silva, 25, played for Penafiel, a Portuguese second division club. (Photo: Accident scene in Spain).

Teammates and football legends pay tribute – A statement issued by Liverpool FC said the club was “devastated” by their player’s death. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre,” the club said in a statement. “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’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 said it was “utterly devastated by the deaths”. “Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community. “We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.” The Portugal and Spain women’s teams held a minute’s silence for Jota and Silva before their match in the Women’s Euros in Switzerland on Thursday evening.

It came after Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot said in a statement: “What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not. “All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about. “My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.” Jota’s former manager at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, offered his thoughts in a post on Instagram.

“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose, but I can’t see it,” he said. “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. “We will miss you so much. All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them.” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk posted on Instagram: “What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. “You mean so much to all of us and you always will!” (Photos: Jota raised the championship trophy).

Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s captain in the national team, said: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married. “To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. “I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.” Jota’s Liverpool teammates Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai have also paid tribute.

Szoboszlai wrote: “Words cannot describe how heartbroken and devastated we are… Your smile, your love for the game will never be forgotten. “We will miss you so much, but you will stay with us forever, on and off the pitch.” Jota’s former teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Thiago Alcantara have also shared messages on social media. Mane posted a picture of himself and Jota with heartbreak emojis. It came as Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish wrote on X: “You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.”

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard shared an image of Jota on Instagram and wrote: “Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.” Liverpool owners Billy Hogan, John Henry and Tom Werner, who are part of the Fenway Sports Group, said: “This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating and has left us numb with grief.” Football icon Lionel Messi has also paid tribute, sharing an image of Jota on Instagram with the message “QEPD” – short for the Spanish phrase ‘que en paz descanse’, which translates to “may he rest in peace’”.

European football clubs such as Barcelona and AC Milan have also shared messages, along with basketball player LeBron James and tennis icon Rafael Nadal. Meanwhile Liverpool FC have opened a physical and digital book of condolence for supporters and members of the public to sign. The physical book is at the club’s stadium, in the Anfield Road Stand reception area until Sunday evening. An avid video gamer, Jota also owned an eSports team and regularly streamed on Twitch.

Courtesy: Sky News