Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, aged 28, tragically died in a car crash in northwestern Spain near Zamora on July 3, 2025, just two weeks after his wedding to Rute Cardoso on June 22 (news.sky.com).
The accident
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Spanish agency EFE and Spanish/Portuguese media report that Jota and his brother André (both professional footballers) were involved in a serious road accident when their car left the road and caught fire (liverpoolworld.uk).
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Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
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They had been traveling together at the time (indiatoday.in).
Personal Life & Family
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Married just two weeks ago in Porto after nearly 13 years together dating since 2012 (news.sky.com).
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The couple had three young children—their latest born in November 2024 .
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His wife announced their marriage on social media: “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.” (news.sky.com).
⚽ Career Highlights
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Born: December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal; Transformed into a prolific forward known for pace, finishing, and versatility (en.wikipedia.org).
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Club Career:
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Broke through at Paços de Ferreira.
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Loan spells at Porto and Wolves, joining Wolves permanently and earning promotion to the Premier League.
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Signed for Liverpool in September 2020 for around £41 million (en.wikipedia.org).
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At Liverpool:
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Made 123 league appearances with 47 goals (and 131 total appearances, 44 goals by May 2025) (en.wikipedia.org).
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Integral in clinching the 2024–25 Premier League title, plus two domestic cup wins (FA & EFL Cups in 2022), and a Champions League final runner-up .
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International:
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Represented Portugal since 2019, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals, winning the UEFA Nations League twice, including most recently in June 2025 (en.wikipedia.org).
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Reaction & Legacy
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Tributes have poured in from Liverpool FC, Portugal’s football federation, teammates, coaches, and supporters worldwide.
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The club is expected to hold moments of silence and wear black armbands in upcoming fixtures.
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Fans, teammates, and pundits recall Jota’s spirit both on and off the pitch—his dedication, resilience, leadership, and loyalty.
🔍 What Happens Next?
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Details |
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Funeral & Tributes |
Official details pending; likely in Porto and Liverpool. |
Liverpool Matches |
Club will likely hold formal commemorations; reports suggest black armbands and moments of silence. |
Ongoing Investigations |
Spanish authorities investigating accident circumstances; official updates expected. |
Future At Liverpool |
Jota was under long-term contract and a key squad member—Liverpool and national team will need to adjust tactically and emotionally. |
⚽ Reflecting on Jota’s Impact
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In four seasons at Anfield, Jota cemented himself as a prolific and reliable attacker, scoring timely goals, especially off the bench, and ranking among the Reds’ top scorers (g3.football, news.sky.com, thetimes.co.uk).
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Fans and pundits often celebrated his knack for clutch goals—he scored Liverpool’s first goal under Arne Slot and matched key stats in critical matches (en.wikipedia.org).
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Though often battling injury setbacks, his determination and finishing ability left a lasting legacy .