In a heartfelt gesture, UEFA has announced that a moment of silence will be observed ahead of upcoming Women’s Euro 2025 matches in tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who both tragically died in a car crash earlier today.
The Portugal and Liverpool forward was just 28 years old when the Lamborghini he was driving with his brother veered off the road in the Zamora region of Spain.
According to reports, a tyre burst while overtaking another vehicle, causing the car to crash and burst into flames.
The shocking incident has cast a pall over the football world, prompting tributes and condolences from fans, players, and clubs worldwide.
In response, European football’s governing body confirmed plans to pay respects to the late winger.
A statement from UEFA read, “UEFA announces that a moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva who tragically passed away today.”
Jota, who had recently married just ten days ago, leaves behind a grieving wife and three young children.
The outpouring of grief has been led by his Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared an emotional message on social media, “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you got married.
“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.
“I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Liverpool Football Club also released a touching statement expressing their devastation over the loss of one of their beloved players, “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
The Portuguese Football Federation echoed the sentiments of shock and sorrow in their own emotional tribute, emphasizing Jota’s impact both on and off the pitch, “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference 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 Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.”
The federation also revealed they had requested a moment of silence before Portugal’s next Women’s Euro 2025 group game against Spain.
“The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honour their legacy.”
Images from the crash site showed damaged guardrails and roadwork cones, grim reminders of the accident that claimed two young lives full of promise and purpose.
