Liverpool forward Diogo Jota dies after Lamborghini bursts into flames in Spain
Jota was found dead alongside his brother Andre Silva following the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday.
Police said they were investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.
Liverpool said the club was 'devastated' by the news and that it was an 'unimaginable loss'.
The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was 'devastated' to learn of the deaths, adding: 'Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.'
Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025
Police said no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle.
Liverpool fans started leaving tributes outside Anfield on Thursday morning – with flowers being laid with messages including 'Thanks for everything, Diogo'.
A picture of Diogo Jota at Anfield Stadium (Peter Byrne/PA)
Jota was part of Liverpool's Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals in 26 appearances.
He joined the Merseyside club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 – winning three major trophies.
Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he wishes Jota's family 'all the strength in the world' following the Liverpool forward's death.
A translated version of his message on Instagram said: 'Doesn't make any sense.
'Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married.
'To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.
'I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.'
In its own statement, the Portuguese national team said: '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.'
Jota and his wife got together in 2013, it has been reported, and have three children together – two sons and a daughter who was born in November.
He frequently shared pictures of him and his family on his Instagram account, while his wife has posted images of their holidays in Dubai and Lapland.
They also have three pet beagles.
On Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, 28, posted video footage of their wedding, with the caption: 'A day we will never forget.'
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told the Commons the whole House 'is heartbroken by this news', adding: 'I wanted to send our sympathies to his family on behalf of the whole House.'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Jota's death was 'devastating news' and 'there are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, and non-fans, who will also be shocked by this'.
Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said he was 'heartbroken' by the news and that Jota's death was a 'huge loss to our city and the world of football'.
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'I know Wimbledon is usually not very flexible with attire,' Borges told the PA news agency. 'But I was told we could still do something to pay our respects for what happened, so I think it was a nice gesture. 'He was a great footballer. It was a tragedy.' Francisco Cabral of Portugal wearing a black ribbon in memory of compatriot Diogo Jota (Mike Egerton/PA) Borges, who lost a five-set thriller, said his agent contacted Wimbledon about the idea of wearing a Portugal shirt, and even tried to source a white version to comply with dress rules, but it was not approved. 'We initially talked about getting a full jersey to walk on court,' he said. 'I even tried to find one in white, but it was turned down, so we ended up doing something a little smaller.' Asked if Wimbledon should have allowed the shirt, he said: 'I think that's what makes Wimbledon special and different from every other Slam, so I really don't know.' Wimbledon relaxed its 148-year-old dress code in light of Jota's death, allowing players to wear black ribbons or armbands. Borges was among several players who did, including fellow Portuguese doubles player Francisco Cabral. Cabral, who wore a ribbon on his shirt sleeve during a doubles match with Lucas Miedler, said: 'Yesterday the idea of wearing a black strap came up – that was not allowed. 'I asked for permission to use the black ribbon and they let me play with it.' He described it as 'an honour', adding: 'It was not for the best reason – he was an inspiration not only for me but for the country in general. 'He made so much in the sport and conquered so much in my life. If I helped 1% for the family I will be super happy.' Cabral and Miedler lost their second-round match in straight sets to Czech pair Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl. Wimbledon's dress code has long restricted visible colour on court, and tributes are rarely granted. The gesture marked a rare moment of flexibility from organisers, after the deaths of Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were killed in Spain while travelling to catch a ferry to England. British doubles player and Liverpool fan Neal Skupski had also taken a black armband for his match on Thursday, but opted not to wear it after learning of the death of his grandmother shortly after coming off court. He said he may wear one 'in the next couple of days'.
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