Liverpool Forward Diogo Jota Dies Aged 28 Following Tragic Car Accident in Spain
Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 following a road traffic accident in Spain.
The Liverpool forward passed away following an accident in Zamora, Spain on Thursday morning.
Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, later confirmed that Jota's brother, Andre, 26, also died in the accident. The news comes just days after the Portugal international got married to his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso, with whom he has two children.
Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash with a statement which read: "The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.
"1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident.
"From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene."
Proenca paid tribute to Jota in a statement on social media shortly after the news broke.
He said: "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 internationalizations 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.
"Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy."
Portugal prime minister Luis Montenegro also paid tribute on social media. He wrote: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
"I leave the family my deepest condolences. It's a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”
