The tragic deaths of 28-year-old Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota and his 26-year-old brother, André Silva—who played for Penafiel—occurred when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire.
Reports shared via X by sources including @Record_Portugal and @SICNoticias confirmed the identities of the brothers after forensic examinations and autopsies were conducted, due to the extreme fire damage to the vehicle, as initially reported by El País.
While Spanish authorities first attributed the crash to a tyre blowout during an overtaking attempt—citing early information shared with The Guardian and BBC Sport—Liverpool manager Arne Slot later referenced a police report revealing the presence of a suspicious substance resembling an explosive. This discovery has prompted investigators to consider sabotage as a possible cause.
According to @Zamora3punto0, the release of the bodies by forensic authorities enables the family to proceed with the wake in Porto on July 4, followed by the funeral on July 5, as confirmed by The Athletic. The Portuguese embassy is supporting the family with legal and repatriation processes, according to a report by @ojogo.
Liverpool Football Club released a heartfelt statement expressing its devastation and extending full support to Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three children, while requesting privacy during this time. Rute reportedly collapsed from shock on July 3 and required hospitalization—further deepening the heartbreak.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jürgen Klopp, and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro have all issued public messages of condolence. UEFA has confirmed that a minute’s silence will be observed at all Women’s Euro 2025 matches.
Fans have also turned out in droves at Anfield to honor Jota’s memory—leaving flowers, scarves, and messages. One fan post from @LFC4Ever read: “Jota’s legacy lives on—YNWA.” Meanwhile, both the Portuguese Football Federation and Liverpool FC are reportedly discussing the creation of a youth football foundation to commemorate both brothers.
As the sabotage investigation continues—centered on forensic analysis of the suspicious substance—authorities are working to determine its potential involvement in the crash. Jota’s impact on the game, with 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, and André’s rising promise at Penafiel, have left a deep and painful void in Portuguese and global football.
The release of their remains offers a small step toward closure for their grieving family and the footballing world, even as Liverpool prepares to open its Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on August 17 under a shadow of profound loss.
