Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, 28, has died alongside his younger brother, André Silva, in a car crash on Spain’s A-52 highway near Palacios de Sanabria. The accident happened at 12:30 a.m. Thursday when their Lamborghini veered off the road, reportedly after a tyre burst while overtaking. The car caught fire, and both were killed instantly.

The brothers were travelling to Santander to catch a ferry back to England ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season. Jota, recently recovering from surgery, had been advised not to fly. Police are investigating possible speeding, though no other vehicles were involved.

Jota’s death comes just ten days after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. He leaves behind three children. Known for his relentless work ethic and sharp goal-scoring ability, Jota scored 47 goals in 123 matches for Liverpool since joining from Wolves in 2020 and earned 49 caps for Portugal, netting 14 times. André, 25, was a professional player for Portuguese side Penafiel.

Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world. Liverpool manager Arne Slot, former boss Jürgen Klopp, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and countless teammates described Jota as not only a world-class player but a kind, joyful person. Fans and fellow athletes have shared heartbreak online, and Liverpool FC has opened books of condolence at Anfield and digitally.

Jota’s passing leaves a deep void in football and among those who loved him — a loss felt far beyond the pitch.