The football world has been thrown into mourning as Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota has tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain.

The 28-year-old Portuguese striker was travelling with his younger brother, Andre, when their vehicle veered off the A-52 highway in the province of Zamora, resulting in a fatal crash.

It was gathered that the 25-year-old Andre, a Penafiel player in Portuguese 2nd League, has also passed away following the accident.

The devastating incident occurred less than two weeks after Jota celebrated his wedding to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in a heartfelt ceremony in Porto.

Spanish outlet Marca reports that witnesses immediately alerted 112, as the car was engulfed in flames which also spread to nearby vegetation.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for €44.7 million. Since donning the Reds’ jersey, he featured in 182 matches, netting 65 goals and registered 26 assists.

He helped the Reds secure three major honours: the Premier League in 2024-25 under Arne Slot, the FA Cup in 2021-22, and the League Cup in 2021-22.

The forward began his career in Portugal but Atletico Madrid signed him from Pacos de Ferreira in 2016 for €7 million.

Although he scored in a pre-season friendly against Crotone (2-0), he never played an official match for Atletico Madrid.

That summer, he was loaned to FC Porto, where he sharpened his skills. In 2017, Jota joined English club Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan, dazzling in the Championship.

His form prompted a permanent €14 million move in 2018, where he continued to shine, earning his big-money transfer to Liverpool.

Tributes have continued to pour in for the late footballer as the take to social media. Ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher wrote:

"Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids."

X user @septimusajprime added:

"RIP Diogo Jota. No matter what club you support, you can never deny that he was an absolute blessing to football. Thoughts with his family and friends during this time."

The UEFA Champions League posted:

"On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.

"Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."

Legit.ng earlier reported that a Russian player Artem Kalmykov tragically passed away after collapsing on the pitch during a match in the Moscow Region Championship.

The 26-year-old was playing for FC Parkovy against Nara in the B-3 League when he suddenly lost consciousness around the 60th minute of the game.

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Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng