Cristiano Ronaldo's international strike partner, Diogo Jota, died in a road accident in the Spanish province of Zamora, according to a report by Marca. He was 28.
The accident occurred at kilometre 65 of the A-52, near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria, the Spanish media reported. Jota was reportedly accompanied by his brother Andre at the time of the incident who also died.
The brothers died after their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames, authorities said. 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 fire brigade and other first responders, including ambulance units, were dispatched after eyewitnesses dialed 112 upon seeing the car engulfed in flames. According to reports, the fire had also spread to nearby shrubs following the accident. It is believed that one of the car's tires may have burst, causing it to drift off the road and catch fire around 1:30 AM. Howvever, official confirmation is awaited.
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020, had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, just a few days ago. The couple has three children. He made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists . The former Porto striker won three titles at Anfield: a Premier League title (2024-25), an FA Cup title (2021-22) , and a League Cup title (2021-22).
Liverpool Football Club said it was devastated by the news of Jota's death. Fans began laying flowers in his memory at Anfield stadium.
Andre Silva, younger to Jota by two years, was also a professional footballer who represented Portuguese second-tier team FC Penafiel.
"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily," @selecaoportugal said on X.
"Much more than an outstanding player, with nearly 50 caps for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all colleagues and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community. The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players respectively played," it added.