In a shocking development that has shocked the global football community, Spanish authorities have identified a man directly linked to the catastrophic car crash that killed Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva on 3 July 2025. The announcement, made by the Guardia Civil in Zamora, Spain, has revealed disturbing evidence that points to a previously undisclosed contributing factor to the tragedy, adding to the sadness surrounding the brothers’ untimely deaths.

The accident occurred in the early hours of July 3, 2025, on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, a small town in the province of Zamora, close to the border with Portugal. Jota, 28, and his brother André, 26, a professional football player for Penafiel, a Portuguese second division team, were traveling in a Lamborghini Huracán when the vehicle suffered a catastrophic tire failure. The car left the road, rolled several times and burst into flames, leaving no chance of survival. Despite the rapid intervention of emergency services, including the Zamora Highway Police, firefighters and medical teams, both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. The intensity of the fire, which had spread to the surrounding vegetation, complicated initial efforts to identify the victims and determine the exact circumstances of the accident.

Until now, the prevailing version, supported by preliminary police reports and witness statements, suggested that the tire burst while the Lamborghini was overtaking another vehicle, causing the driver to lose control. However, the latest findings have shifted attention to a man whose actions are believed to have played a crucial role in the sequence of events that led to the accident. While police have not released the man’s name, citing ongoing investigations, they have confirmed that he is a resident of the Zamora area and that he was on the A-52 at the time of the accident. Authorities have described the evidence as “shocking” and “irrefutable,” although they have withheld specific details pending further analysis.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the man’s involvement is linked to an interaction with the vehicle carrying Jota and his brother moments before the accident. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a vehicle behaving erratically on the highway, which may have contributed to the high-speed maneuver that preceded the tire blowout. Police collected physical evidence at the scene, including debris and tire tracks, as well as digital data from nearby traffic cameras, which are being analyzed to reconstruct the moments leading up to the tragedy. Forensic experts are also examining the remains of the Lamborghini to determine whether external factors, such as road hazards or interference from another vehicle, aggravated the situation.

The revelation sparked widespread speculation and outrage among fans, many of whom took to social media to demand transparency and justice. Posts on X called for the immediate disclosure of the man’s identity and full disclosure of the evidence, reflecting the profound emotional impact that Jota’s death has had on the football community. The Portuguese Football Federation and Liverpool FC issued statements expressing their regret and calling for respect for the ongoing investigation, emphasising the need for clarity and accountability.

Jota’s death, just ten days after his wedding to long-term partner Rute Cardoso, left an indelible mark on those who knew him. The couple, who had three young children, shared emotional messages on social media hours before the accident, with Jota describing himself as “the luckiest man in the world” to have married Rute. The tragedy prompted tributes from team-mates including Cristiano Ronaldo, who described Jota as a “warrior” and a “brother”, and Liverpool, who announced they would permanently retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt in his honour.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the exact nature of the man’s involvement and whether it was intentional or negligent. Police have promised a full report within days, which will be presented to the Zamora court for further action. For now, the football world mourns the loss of a talented player and dedicated family man, and awaits answers that will shed light on the preventable nature of this devastating incident. The legacy of Diogo Jota, a Premier League champion and beloved figure in Portuguese football, remains as a reminder of his passion and resilience, although this new evidence adds another layer of complexity to his tragic death.