The Portuguese Football Association has reached out to UEFA following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in a car accident.
The Portuguese Football Association has received approval from UEFA following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, lost his life in a car accident early Thursday morning in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother, André Silva, who was also a professional player with the second-tier Portuguese team Penafiel.
According to a statement from the Guardia Civil to BBC Sport, the pair’s Lamborghini veered off the road due to a tire blowout while attempting to overtake another vehicle and subsequently caught fire.
The Zamora Provincial Council issued a statement noting: “Two young individuals died in an accident on the A-52 (Palacios de Sanabria). The Rionegro del Puente Fire Station responded. The vehicle ignited, and the flames spread to surrounding vegetation. They were 28 and 26 years old. RIP.”
Jota’s death occurred just two weeks after his marriage to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
The Portugal Football Federation (FPF) announced that they have requested a minute of silence before the group stage match between Portugal and Spain at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 on Thursday evening.
A statement from the federation expressed: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are profoundly saddened by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain. More than an exceptional player with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo was an extraordinary individual, respected by teammates and opponents alike, known for his infectious joy and as a role model in his community.”
The FPF extended its deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where they played. They emphasized their commitment to honoring the legacy of both players.
Jota’s last appearance for Liverpool was in a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on May 25, and his final game for Portugal was in the Nations League final victory over Spain on June 8.
UEFA also released a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of Jota and his brother, extending thoughts to their families, friends, and teammates.
Sky News journalist Rob Harris reported that the Portuguese FA’s request for a minute’s silence has been approved. UEFA confirmed that a moment of silence will be observed at all UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches today and tomorrow in memory of Diogo Jota and André Silva.
