Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were killed in a road traffic accident in Spain overnight.
The car containing Jota and Silva came off the A-52 motorway in the province of Zamora and, despite emergency crews attending the scene, the pair were declared dead.
Jota, 28, was a key member of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League title last season while Silva, 26, played in the Portuguese second division for Penafiel.
A Federação Portuguesa de Futebol e todo o Futebol português estão completamente devastados com a morte de Diogo Jota e do seu irmão André Silva, esta madrugada, em Espanha.
Muito mais do que o fantástico jogador, com quase 50 internacionalizações pela Seleção Nacional A, Diogo… pic.twitter.com/EN901fH6FG
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 3, 2025
We have lost two champions in Diogo Jota and Andre Silva – Proenca
Proenca said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and Portuguese football in general are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and André Silva this morning in Spain.
“Much more than a fantastic player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all colleagues and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and reference [point] in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, they played.
“We have lost two champions. The loss of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to honour their legacy on a daily basis.”
UEFA announced that every match today and tomorrow at the Women’s Euro 2025 will be preceded by a minute’s silence, while Portugal’s prime minister Luis Montenegro wrote on X: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”
Porto pay their respects
Jota spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Porto while Silva was a member of their youth teams.
The 30-time Portuguese champions wrote on X: “FC Porto is in mourning.
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.
“Rest in peace.”
O Futebol Clube do Porto está de luto.
É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação.
Descansem em paz.#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/BXlR8v7y7Z
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025
Liverpool signed Jota from Wolves in 2020 and he immediately became a key member of the squad, helping the Merseysiders to the FA Cup title in 2022. They also finished runners-up in the EFL Cup and Champions League that season.
Following the departure of Jurgen Klopp and arrival of Arne Slot as manager, Liverpool won the Premier League title last season with Jota contributing nine goals in 37 appearances.
Jota started out at Pacos de Ferreira where his form earned him a move to Atletico Madrid. He struggled to make an impression in the Spanish capital and was loaned back to Porto in his homeland, and then on to Wolves in 2017.
Jota starred at Molineux
His move to Molineux was made permanent in January 2018, midway through a season in which he scored 17 league goals to help Wolves to promotion to the Premier League.
We are heartbroken.
Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.
Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother,… pic.twitter.com/MqMlp7o44M
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 3, 2025
The Black Country club also paid their tribute this morning in a statement that read: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.
“The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
More to follow
