Diogo Jota tragically killed in car crash at age of 28
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car crash in Spain, less than two weeks after his wedding.
Jota was travelling with his brother – fellow footballer Andre – in a car in Zamora in north-west Spain, when the vehicle left the road.
A Liverpool statement read: ‘Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
‘The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
‘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 accident happened at around 12.40am local time, when their car left the road and caught fire while heading towards Benavente, according to El Mundo.
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Spanish newspaper Marca report: ‘According to witnesses who called 112, the car was engulfed in flames, which also spread to nearby vegetation.’
A statement from the emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed that there was a vehicle accident in Zamora.
Their statement read: ‘The 112 Castilla and Leon operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at kilometre 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.’
Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso – who is mother to their three children – less than two weeks before his death.
The Portuguese attacker signed for Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of more than £40million; he has scored 62 goals for the Reds. He previously played with Atletico Madrid.
His finishing was much admired, with Jamie Carragher famously saying: “I think of some of the strikers I’ve played alongside: Michael Owen, Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Robbie Fowler. I think he [Jota] is the best finisher.
“Robbie (Fowler) maybe [could be ahead of him] in terms of pure finishing, hard and low, into the corner. But [his two goals against Bournemouth are] typical Jota. When he gets the chance he is so clinical.”
After the news of his death, Carragher tweeted: ‘Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.’
Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote:
Ronaldo said in a post on social media: ‘It doesn’t make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just 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 made 131 appearances for Wolves before moving to Liverpool, and the West Midlands club also paid tribute to their former star.
The Wolves statement read: ‘We are heartbroken.
‘Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.
The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre.
‘You will be truly missed, and always remembered.’
