Who was Diogo Jota? Liverpool and Portugal footballer dies in car crash days after wedding
Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva, also a professional footballer with Portuguese club Penafiel, died in the early hours of Thursday after their Lamborghini reportedly crashed and caught fire in the Spanish province of Zamora, the BBC Sports reported.
According to Spain's Guardia Civil, the accident took place around 12:30 am local time while the vehicle was overtaking another car. A tyre burst is believed to have caused the vehicle to veer off the road before bursting into flames.
Jota had recently tied the knot with his longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, with whom he shared three children. Heartfelt images from their wedding ceremony had been posted just days before the accident.
The footballer's untimely death has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, teammates, and football associations around the world. Liverpool FC, who signed him from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £41 million, said they were 'devastated.'
'We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him,' read a statement from Wolves, his former club.
Over the course of his career, Jota made 182 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals and helping the team clinch the FA Cup, League Cup and the Premier League title.
He also represented Portugal at the international level, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals. He last played for the national team in the UEFA Nations League final against Spain on June 8, just weeks before the tragedy.
Beyond football, Jota was known for his passion for esports, and had built a significant online following. He had endorsement deals with global brands like Nike and EA Sports, earning him an estimated $1.5 million annually.
His total net worth at the time of his death was reportedly around $18 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
He was also involved in charity campaigns and collaborated with global artists like Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa on promotional and philanthropic initiatives.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released a statement expressing profound sorrow:
'Much more than an amazing player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person. We have lost two champions. Their passing is an irreparable loss to Portuguese football.'
As a mark of respect, UEFA has announced a minute's silence before Portugal's Women's Euro qualifier against Spain.
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The football world was left stunned on Thursday as Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car crash in northwestern Spain early on Thursday. According to a Reuters report, authorities said their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames, and evidence at the scene of the crash near the city of Zamora suggests Jota's car suffered a burst tyre while overtaking, Spanish police said in a statement. The crash occurred around 00:30 a.m. (2230 GMT). Jota, 28, had just married his partner of ten years in late June, with whom he had three children. 'My dream came true,' his wife Rute Cardoso wrote on Instagram of their wedding. Here are some tributes: Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager (Instagram) This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal captain (Instagram) 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. Darwin Nunez, Liverpool striker (Instagram) There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children. Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender (Sky Sports) 'I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family. It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he's had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours. You can't even comprehend it.' Stephen Warnock, former Liverpool defender (BBC Radio 5 Live) 'You saw the smile on his face when he played. He was always that bubbly character, but he was also a fiery person on the pitch. He had that lovely balance. He was always happy to give up his time, more than gracious when he spoke to people, very respectful but also a very charismatic character. I don't think you become a fans' favourite without being that type of person.' Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro (AP) 'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.' Didier Drogba, former Chelsea striker (Instagram) Can't believe it!!!! What a player what a driving force he was!! All my love and affection to his family. Neco Williams, former Liverpool player (X) One of the really good people out there. Rest in peace Diogo and André Silva condolences to their families at this time. David de Gea, Spanish goalkeeper (X) Sometimes life is too cruel. Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle player (X) Life is truly fleeting! Hard to believe news like this. I wish much strength to the family and friends. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. Mourning
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