In the early hours of July 3, 2025, the football world was deeply affected by the news of the tragic deaths of Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother, André Silva, 26, in a catastrophic car accident in northwest Spain. The accident, which occurred on the A-52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria in the province of Zamora, involved a Lamborghini that left the road due to a tire burst while overtaking another vehicle, and subsequently burst into flames. The devastating incident, which claimed the lives of both brothers, has left fans, teammates, and the global football community in mourning. To make matters worse, recent reports indicate that the vehicle’s black box has revealed Jota’s final words, offering a poignant glimpse into his final moments, a revelation that has shocked and moved those who knew him and followed his illustrious career.

The tragic incident

According to reports from the Spanish Civil Guard and several media outlets, including the BBC and Marca, the fatal accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time. Jota and his brother André, a professional footballer for the Portuguese second division club Penafiel, were traveling in a Lamborghini when the vehicle suffered a tire burst during an overtaking maneuver. The car skidded off the A-52 motorway, crashed into a ditch, and caught fire, spreading the flames to nearby vegetation. Emergency services, including an Emergency Medical Unit (UME) and firefighters, responded promptly but were unable to save the brothers, who were pronounced dead at the scene. The Civil Guard confirmed that no other vehicles were involved, and preliminary investigations point to tire failure as the primary cause of the accident.

The timing of the accident adds an extra layer of tragedy. Jota had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days earlier, on June 22, 2025, in a joyful ceremony in Porto, Portugal. The couple, together since 2013, had three children: two sons and a daughter. Jota’s final Instagram post, shared less than 24 hours before the accident, included a heartfelt message: “A day we will never forget,” accompanied by images from the wedding. The post, now a poignant reminder of their final moments of happiness, has become the focus of tributes from fans.

The revelation of the black box

In an event that has both captivated and saddened the public, Spanish authorities recovered the Lamborghini’s black box, a data recorder typically installed in high-performance vehicles to record critical information such as speed, throttle position, and, in some cases, cockpit audio. While black boxes are more commonly associated with aircraft, luxury cars like Lamborghinis sometimes include similar systems for diagnostic and safety purposes. According to sources close to the investigation, the black box captured audio from inside the vehicle during the moments leading up to the crash. The contents of this recording have not been fully disclosed to the public, citing respect for the family’s privacy, but a leaked report from a Spanish media outlet suggests that Jota’s last words were directed at his brother André.

The authenticity of the reported last words remains under scrutiny, as authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the black box audio. However, the emotional charge of the reported message has resonated deeply, amplifying the sense of loss felt throughout the football community.

A stellar career cut short

Diogo Jota was more than just a footballer; he was a beloved figure, known for his infectious joy, humility, and tireless work ethic. Born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira before joining Atlético Madrid in 2016. His breakthrough came during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he caught the eye of Liverpool, who signed him in 2020. At Anfield, Jota became an icon, scoring 65 goals in 182 games, including nine in the 2024-25 season as Liverpool won their 20th Premier League title under Arne Slott as manager. Internationally, Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and contributing to two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

Tributes from teammates, opponents, and football institutions have been numerous, reflecting the widespread admiration for Jota. Liverpool Football Club issued a statement: “Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. Far more than an incredible player, Diogo was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a guiding light in his own community.” His former teammate Jamie Carragher posted on X: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother André this morning. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, especially his wife Rute and his three beloved children.”

The Portuguese Football Federation also mourned the loss, with its president, Pedro Proença, stating: “Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents.” Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called the deaths a “national loss,” while Porto, Jota’s former club, expressed its “shock and deep sorrow.”

The aftermath and the investigation

The accident has led to an extensive investigation by Spanish authorities, who are examining the circumstances of the blowout. Questions have been raised about the condition of the Lamborghini’s tires, the speed at which the vehicle was traveling, and whether road conditions played a role. Reports indicate that Jota was advised not to fly due to recent lung surgery, forcing him to drive to Santander to catch a ferry back to the UK, a detail that has contributed to the poignancy of the tragedy. Personal belongings recovered from the wreckage were given to Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, who also received psychological support to cope with the devastating loss.

A lasting legacy

The death of Diogo Jota, along with that of his brother André, marks a profound loss for football and for those who knew him personally. His final words, reportedly captured by the black box, are a testament to his character: a man who, even in his final moments, tried to console his brother. The tragedy, occurring so soon after his wedding and at the height of his career, underscores the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate.

As the football world mourns, Jota’s legacy lives on through his contributions on the pitch and the love he inspired off it. His journey from Porto to the Premier League, his infectious smile, and his dedication to his family and his profession will not be forgotten. His final words, “André, hang in there, we’ll be okay,” will remain in the hearts of fans, a bittersweet reminder of a life cut short, but lived with purpose and love.

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Spanish police have issued a statement after Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car crash.

Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 26, also a professional footballer, died when their Lamborghini left the road and burst into flames in the early hours of Thursday.

The tragedy occurred just 10 days after Portuguese international Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in Portugal.

“The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was involved in a traffic accident and went off the road due to a tire blowout while overtaking.

It was at 12:30 a.m. in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora province. The car caught fire, and its two occupants died.

When asked about the identity of those involved, the Civil Guard stated: “The player and his brother, André Felipe.”

The tragedy occurred just 10 days after Portuguese international Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in Portugal  (Image: INSTAGRAM)

Jota was part of the Liverpool side that won the Premier League in the 2024/25 season, scoring six goals in 26 appearances. In a statement this morning, the Anfield club said: “Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.”

Tributes at Anfield, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota, who died at the age of 28  (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

In a statement, the Portuguese Football Federation said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva in Spain this morning.

“Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with nearly 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents.

He had an infectious joy and was a symbol of his community. On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation and myself, I want to express our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and André, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, their respective clubs.

The Portuguese Football Federation has asked UEFA to observe a minute of silence before our national team’s match against Spain in the Women’s Euro on Thursday. We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honor their legacy every day.