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Topics: Liverpool, Diogo Jota, Premier League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Liverpool, Diogo Jota, Premier League
Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has tragically died following a car crash, according to media reports in both Spain and Portugal.
A report from zamora24horas claims the 28-year-old Liverpool player and his brother Andre, a Penafiel player, were involved in a fatal car accident that occurred on Thursday morning at 00:30 local time in Zamora, northwestern Spain.
It is claimed that the Traffic Civil Guard, the Fire Brigade of the Provincial Council of Zamora, and the Emergency Coordination Centre (CCU) of Health Emergencies - Sacyl were dispatched to the scene.
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.
A statement 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."
It added: "1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident."
A report from Marca claim witnesses who called 112 said the car was engulfed in flames, which also spread to nearby vegetation. They also report that several sources suggest that one of the car's tires may have burst, causing it to leave the road and burst into flames.
The news comes just 11 days after Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto. They have three children together.
On Thursday morning, the Portuguese FA released a statement, confirming that they have requested a minute’s silence ahead of Thursday's group stage match between Portugal and Spain at the Women’s Euros.
It read: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain.
"Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.
"On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our 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, performed.
"The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
"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."
Tributes poured in for the Liverpool forward on Thursday morning after the tragic news was confirmed.
Taking to X, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville wrote: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family."
Fabrizio Romano said: "Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother have both passed away due to traffic accident, reports Marca. Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace."
TV presenter Piers Morgan commented: "Desperately sad news coming out of Spain that Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, has died, along with his brother, in a car accident in Zamora. He only got married 2 weeks ago. Heart-breaking."