London
Liverpool Football Club and the Portuguese national team have been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in a fatal car crash in Spain. He was 28.
According to reports from Spanish sports newspaper MARCA, the accident occurred on the A-52 motorway at kilometre 65, near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria in the province of Zamora. Jota was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.
The news, which broke on Thursday morning, has sent shockwaves across the global football community, with tributes pouring in from fans, clubs, teammates, and football governing bodies around the world.
Jota, born in 1996 in Porto, Portugal, was a dynamic and beloved figure in football, known for his versatility, sharp goal-scoring ability, and relentless work rate. Since joining Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, he quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield, playing a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and European campaigns.
He also earned over 30 caps for Portugal and was a vital component of the national side under coach Roberto Martínez.
In a brief statement, MARCA reported: “Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota dies in a traffic accident in the province of Zamora.”
Liverpool FC has yet to issue an official statement at the time of writing, but the club is expected to hold a press conference later today. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is also understood to be preparing a tribute in honour of the late forward.
Jota’s death marks a heartbreaking moment not just for his family and teammates but for millions of fans who followed his career from the early days at Paços de Ferreira and FC Porto to his rise in the English Premier League.
Further details about the cause of the crash and funeral arrangements are expected to be released in the coming days.