By Agency Reports
Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota has been tragically killed along with his footballer brother André Silva
The 28-year-old lost his life in a crash in Zamora near Spain’s north-west border with Portugal early on Thursday.
The crash also claimed the life of Jota’s brother, André Silva, who played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.
Diogo Jota, who was capped 49 times for Portugal, had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso only two weeks ago.
The couple had been together since 2012 and have three children together. The Liverpool star proposed to Ms Cardosa in July 2022 in a picturesque lakeside setting.
In a joint Instagram post a few days ago, Jota and Ms Cardosa shared pictures from the church wedding ceremony, which took place on June 22.
Alongside the pictures, Ms Cardosa wrote: “Sim, para sempre (Yes, forever)”.
The crash happened just after midnight on Thursday morning on the A-52 close to Spain’s north-west border with Portugal.
The car the brothers were in is said to have come off the road and burst into flames. It was not immediately clear who was driving.
Firefighters, paramedics and police rushed to the scene but could do nothing to save their lives.
Portuguese press are reporting Diogo’s brother got married last week.
In a statement, the Portuguese Football Federation said it was “devastated” by their deaths.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 caps for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship.”
@London Standard