Police Reveal Official Cause Behind Diogo Jota’s Tragic Death
Just ten days after marrying his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, Liverpool striker Diogo Jota’s life came to a devastating end—alongside his younger brother, André Silva. Now, new details from Spain’s Civil Guard are shedding light on the heartbreaking sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
Timeline of the Tragedy
In the early hours of July 3, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m. CEST, Diogo and André were driving along the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, in a Lamborghini Urus. The two were en route to board a ferry, having chosen to drive from Porto after Diogo had recently undergone minor surgery and was advised not to fly.
What the Investigation Found
According to preliminary reports from the Guardia Civil, the cause of the crash appears to be a high-speed tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver. The burst tire caused the car to lose control, leave the roadway, flip, and ignite on impact. The explosion left no opportunity for escape.
Police confirmed that no other vehicles were involved, and external foul play has been ruled out. Investigators believe high temperatures may have contributed to the tire failure, particularly under the stress of high-speed conditions.
“The car was incinerated, and they died inside,” the Civil Guard stated.
Identities Confirmed Through Forensics
Given the extent of the fire damage, authorities relied on forensic identification and autopsy results to formally confirm the victims’ identities. Diogo Jota was 28, and his brother André, a rising midfielder with Penafiel, was 25.
A Shattered Football Community
News of the accident sent shockwaves through the football world. Condolences and tributes have poured in from across the globe:
- Liverpool FC, the Portuguese Football Federation, UEFA, and the Premier League expressed collective grief.
- Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jürgen Klopp, and Darwin Núñez shared heartfelt messages of sorrow.
- A minute of silence has been scheduled before upcoming matches, including fixtures in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Why This Story Resonates
This tragedy is more than a loss to football — it’s a sobering reminder that life’s fragility knows no fame, wealth, or talent. What began as a joy-filled road trip turned fatal in seconds due to a mechanical failure.
A minor medical issue. A luxury car. A blown tire.
And two promising lives, suddenly and irreversibly gone.
