Diogo Jota of Liverpool is seen in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal. Photo: AFP
Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, 28, has died in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain, with his brother, the Portuguese Football Federation said on Thursday.
The regional fire department of Castile and Leon, where Zamora is located, said on its website a car crashed early on Thursday, shortly after midnight, and burst into flames, with two men, aged 28 and 26, found dead.
Spanish police told Reuters they could not yet officially confirm the names of the deceased, but everything pointed to it being Jota and his brother. The Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road, the spokesperson said.
The bodies were taken to a forensics unit in nearby Zamora, where autopsies would be performed, they said.
Jota, who got married on 28 June, helped Liverpool win the English Premier League last season, and also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Merseyside outfit.
Jota arrived at Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions.
He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League, including their penalty shootout victory over Spain last month.
"The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic," said Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. "I extend my deepest condolences to their family.
"It is a sad day for football, and for national and international sports."
"The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning," said the federation.
"Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person, who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community...
"We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day."
"FC Porto is in mourning," said the Portuguese powerhouse and Jota's home club. "It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.
"Rest in peace."
"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the club said on X.
"It is a remarkable achievement for a small guy that came from Gondomar, where I had this dream," Jota said on Liverpool's website of winning the EPL.
"It's a moment I will cherish forever."
- Reuters
