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Diogo Jota: Liverpool soccer star and Portugal international dies in car crash two weeks after wedding

Zach Margolius
The Nightly
Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League group B soccer match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021.(AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League group B soccer match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021.(AP Photo/Jon Super) Credit: Jon Super/AP

Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died aged 28, killed in a car crash in Spain.

The Portuguese player had married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso just two weeks ago.

The Spanish civil guard confirmed that Jota and his brother Andre Silva, 25, were found dead after their Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking near the city of Zamora.

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It said that the accident happened in the early hours of Thursday. According to the statement, “the car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”

Police were investigating the causes. They said there were no other vehicles involved.

Andre Silva was a player in Portugal’s second division.

Winning the Premier League with his English club in May, Jota scored six goals in 26 games on the way to claiming the title.

Jota and his wife had been together since 2012 and shared three children.
Jota and his wife had been together since 2012 and shared three children. Credit: Diogo Juta/IG/IG

Then in June, he represented his country in the Nations league final against Spain, coming off the bench in extra time.

His side won 5-3 in penalties after the match was drawn 2-2.

He had represented his country 49 times.

Jota and his wife had been together since 2012 and shared three children.

The Liverpool forward proposed to Ms Cardoso in July 2022, and in an Instagram post several days ago, the pair shared pictures from their wedding day.

Jota began his professional career with Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal.

He left for England in 2017 with a loan move to English Championship club Wolverhampton, helping the second-division outfit earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2012.

Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died aged 28, killed in a car crash in Spain.
Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died aged 28, killed in a car crash in Spain. Credit: Diogo Jota/IG/IG

Jota joined Liverpool in 2018 and was a crucial cog as the Reds came close to a cup treble in 2021-22.

Liverpool won the FA Cup and League Cup — Jota scoring in the two shootout victories against Chelsea after 0-0 draws — but they fell short in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

The forward has been described by his club side as “a hugely versatile forward capable of featuring in any role of a front three and in wide midfield positions”.

The Portuguese soccer federation released a statement lamenting the deaths. Federation president Pedro Proenca said Portuguese soccer was “completely devastated.”

“More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community,” Proenca said in the statement.

The Portuguese federation said it has requested a minute of silence before Thursday’s match between Portugal and Spain at the Women’s European Championship being played in Switzerland.

“We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day,” the Portuguese Football Federation said.

With the news shocking fans around the world, tributes have flooded the couple’s social media accounts.

Diogo Jota, his wife Rute Cardoso, their three children and their three dogs.
Diogo Jota, his wife Rute Cardoso, their three children and their three dogs. Credit: Diogo Jota/IG/IG

“Rest In Peace, Brother! 🤍”, one fan wrote.

Another said, “A painful reminder to hold your loved ones close, because life can change in the blink of an eye. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. Rest In Peace”.

Liverpool have since released a statement expressing grief over the tragic circumstances.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said on social media.

“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

SImilar statements have also been issued by the English Premier League, and Jota’s former club, Wolverhampton.

- With 7NEWS

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