Diogo Jota’s Lamborghini veered off a midnight highway, collided with a guardrail, and erupted into flames, killing him and his brother instantly.
At a Glance
- Diogo Jota, 28, and his 25-year-old brother André died July 3 in a fiery Lamborghini crash near Zamora.
- They were reportedly overtaking when a tyre burst ignited the vehicle.
- Jota recently married Rute Cardoso ten days before and left behind three children.
- He scored 65 goals in 182 Liverpool games and won the 2024–25 Premier League and Nations League.
- Tributes poured in from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool fans, and global football bodies.
The Crash and Investigation
Spanish Civil Guard officials report the Lamborghini Urus lost control on the A‑52 near Cernadilla during an overtaking maneuver and burst into flames, killing both men at the scene. A tyre blowout is suspected as the immediate cause of the crash, which occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time. The bodies were burned beyond recognition and required forensic confirmation.
Watch a report: Fans mourn Jota outside home stadium.
No other vehicles were involved, according to preliminary reports. The pair had been returning from a family dinner following Jota’s recent wedding, just ten days prior, to longtime partner Rute Cardoso.
A Career Cut Brutally Short
Jota’s rise from Paços de Ferreira to Liverpool marked one of the sport’s most compelling modern trajectories. After early spells with Porto and Wolves, he signed with Liverpool in 2020 for £41 million, becoming a fan favorite for his aggressive pace and clinical finishing. Over five seasons, he tallied 65 goals in 182 matches and played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League title.
Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps with Portugal, scoring 13 goals and helping clinch the UEFA Nations League final victory over Spain in June. That moment, now cruelly reframed, had capped off what was widely hailed as a career-defining season.
Mourning and Tributes
Liverpool FC issued a statement calling the loss “devastating,” urging fans to respect the family’s privacy. Outside Anfield, supporters laid scarves, flowers, and handwritten notes in a growing shrine.
Cristiano Ronaldo posted a visibly emotional tribute, writing, “You had just married… R.I.P. Diogo and André.” Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp called Jota “a loving husband, a devoted father, and a brilliant player.”
The Prime Minister and the President of Portugal both delivered official statements of mourning. UEFA announced moments of silence before all July 4 matches, and black armbands will be worn throughout the month.
