Liverpool FC release statement after Diogo Jota dies aged 28

Liverpool FC have released a statement in wake of reports that Diogo Jota and his brother have died following a fatal car crash.

The 28-year-old - who got married to his long-term partner Rute Cardoso last month - was involved in a deadly collision in northwestern Spain late last night.

He passed away shortly before 1am this morning (3 July) alongside his brother and fellow footballer, Andre Silva, 26.

Spanish police have now confirmed that the tragic incident unfolded on a stretch of the A-52 motorway in the municipality of Cernadilla, near the city of Zamora.

"A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking," a brief statement from the Guardia Civil, as per Sky News, explained.

"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."

Liverpool FC - which has been Jota's home for the last five years - has also now released a poignant statement confirming the news to devastated fans.

The late Diogo Jota pictured with his beloved wife Rute Cardoso and two of his young sons (Instagram/@diogoj_18)

It read: "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."

Jota joined the Merseyside club in 2020 after making a move from the Wolverhampton Wanderers, going on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup with the Liverpool squad.

Stars including Gary Neville have paid tribute to the striker and his beloved brother on social media, with the former Manchester United ace, 50, saying: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother.

"All my love and best wishes to his family."

Piers Morgan also described the incident as 'desperately sad' in a post on X, while adding: "He only got married 2 weeks ago. Heartbreaking."

Jota, a doting father-of-three, first demonstrated his prowess on the pitch as a teenager in his native Portugal before beginning his career with Paços de Ferreira.

He went on to sign for Atlético Madrid in 2016, before enjoying stints at FC Porto and then Wolves after two successful seasons.

When he finally made the move to Liverpool five years ago, Jota reportedly signed for a fee of £41 million.

Memorably, he bagged a brilliant goal after just eight minutes of being on the pitch during his debut for the club, sealing the team's success at Anfield with a 3-1 win against Arsenal.

Jota joined Liverpool FC in 2020 (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jota also made 49 appearances for Portugal, and just recently won the Nations League with his country.

The Portuguese Football Federation paid tribute to the late footie star and and his younger brother Silva, saying the sports world was 'utterly devastated' by their deaths.

The statement read: "Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.

"On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.

"The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team's match against Spain in the Women's European Championship.

"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."

Jota's former club FC Porto also shared their condolences for the player and Silva, saying: "It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace."