It has been one year since Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain. On the eve of the anniversary, Portugal defeated Croatia in their World Cup round of 32 match and paid tribute to Jota post-match. Throughout the tournament, Portugal players have worn wristbands in his honour, and his image was displayed on stadium screens before the opening fixture against DR Congo, moving his parents who were in attendance.
The Crash and Its Cause
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre, 25, were travelling in a Lamborghini Huracan towards Santander, Spain, on July 3, 2025. Jota had been advised against flying after lung surgery, so they planned to take an overnight ferry to England and then drive to Portsmouth. Around 70 miles west of Valladolid on the A-52, the car suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, left the road at approximately 12:40 am, and caught fire. Emergency services confirmed both occupants died.
Civil Guard traffic officers investigated the crash. A statement said: "We believe the car suffered a blowout from the marks on the road. The full police report, once it is completed, will be submitted to a duty court in Zamora." No other vehicles were involved, and no one else was hurt.
Tributes and Remembrance
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said: "Diogo is our light. He is our reference of wanting to do what his dream was, which was winning titles for Portugal. He wanted to win the World Cup, so it becomes a responsibility, an example." Team-mate Ruben Neves revealed he still sends Jota WhatsApp messages.
Jota's wife, Rute, shared his wedding speech on their anniversary. The couple had married just 11 days before his death. Jota's final competitive appearance was winning the Nations League with Portugal.
Football Career
Jota made 37 appearances for Liverpool in the 2024/25 season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists. He also helped Liverpool win the Premier League title that season. His brother Andre was a professional footballer for Portuguese side Penafiel.
