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Fans lay flowers and wreaths outside Anfield and Molineux after death of Diogo Jota and his brother

Fans lay flowers and wreaths outside Anfield and Molineux after the death of Liverpool player Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 26.

Police confirm they were both killed in a car crash on the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52) near Palacios de Sanabria in northwestern Spain, heading towards Benavente, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The accident is believed to have taken place at around 00.40am local time (11.40pm UK time), with reports stating that the car came off the road and caught fire, with emergency services confirming the two deaths at the scene.

Tributes pour in after Liverpool player Diogo Jota dies in tragic car accident aged 28

Diogo Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso two weeks ago. They had been in a relationship since 2012 before Jota proposed in July 2022. Sharing photos of the wedding online in June, the Liverpool forward said: “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.” The pair have three children together.

A statement from the Guardia Civil: “A road accident occurred at 12.30am this morning at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora.

“A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed.

“Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe.”

Daniel Austin (reporter for BBC Sport): “Flowers and tributes pour in for Diogo Jota in Anfield. Fans are beginning to gather outside Anfield, laying floral tributes and paying respects to Diogo Jota at Hillsborough memorial.

“The Portuguese forward was adored by Liverpool supporters – the song fans sang about him taking the Reds “to victory” has been one of the most popular on the Kop throughout recent years of success.

“Jota was a regular goal scorer but his tenacity, work rate and laid-back character endeared him further as man.

“People in Liverpool are stunned and deeply saddened today.”

One supporter told the BBC’s Marc Gaier: “He’ll be remembered with a smile on his face, scoring goals for Liverpool. But in a time like this, football pales into insignificance.

“He’s left a wife and three children behind, his brother’s passed away with him and his poor parents have lost their children.

“I mean, he’ll forever be remembered as a great Red for us, but when something like this happens, football doesn’t matter anymore.

Sky News’ Greg Milam outside Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, said that Diogo Jota was a player “who was adored here, as so many are”, adding he expects Liverpool fans to begin turning up soon to the famous Bill Shankly gates to leave tributes.

Ronnie, a Liverpool fan, said he is “absolutely gutted”: “There’s not a word that I can think of to say how sad I am. For the player he was, it’s unbelievable news.”

Gary said Jota always played football with a smile on his face. “He gave his all for us. It’s like losing somebody that’s really, really close to you. Football pales into insignificance in times like this.”

“After a time of sadness and reflection, you have to fight in his memory and try to get back to what he’d want us to do and win as many things as we can in his memory.”

Flowers and messages of tribute to Jota have been laid around Anfield. Liverpool Echo see one message quoted the club’s chant for the forward, saying: “Ooooh he wears the number 20. RIP Diogo YNWA. Forever Red.”

Another said: “Thanks for everything Diogo, rest easy mate.” A further tribute added: “In loving memory. The lad from Portugal.”

The flag at Anfield and the Liverpool town hall has also been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.

Margaret Collins, 81, has been a Liverpool fan for 70 years: “It’s hurting inside,” she tells Sky News.

“All of these Liverpool players are family to us. Words fail me. He was absolutely brilliant as a footballer. It’s going to kill the other players.”

Liverpool FC have issued a statement: “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.”

Diogo’s former club Wolves tweeted: “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.”

A statement from the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proenca: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this early morning, in Spain.

“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, 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, they played their football.

“The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked Uefa for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship…

“The loss of Diogo and Andre represent irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything, daily, to honour their legacy.”

FC Porto issued a statement: “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 AndrĂ© Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.

“Rest in peace.”

Sporting CP wrote: “The world of football has become poorer.

“Sporting CP expresses its sorrow for the passing of the Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother AndrĂ© Silva.

“The most heartfelt condolences to all the family in this difficult time.”

UEFA tweeted: “On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother AndrĂ© Silva.

“Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”

The EFL said: “Devastating and heartbreaking.

“Everyone at the EFL is truly saddened by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at @LFC.”

The Premier League: “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news. I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular.

“There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this.

“It is devastating and really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family.”

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