Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were reportedly on their way back to the UK when they tragically passed away in Zamora, Spain this morning.
It was confirmed early on Thursday (3 July) that the 28-year-old had sadly died in a car crash in the north west of Spain, just a few days before he was due to return to Liverpool for pre-season.
The former Wolves forward became a Premier League champion with Liverpool last year and also won the Nations League with Portugal this summer.
Heartbreakingly, he also married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just over a week ago, and he leaves behind his new wife and his three children following his passing.
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More details have now emerged from the father-of-three's crash.
According to reports in Portugal (via The Mirror), his wife told police that it was the two brothers' intention to spend the night in Benavente and continue their journey on Thursday to reach Santander before catching a ferry to Portsmouth.
Presumably, he would have travelled from there back to Liverpool ahead of joining back up with the squad and Arne Slot next week, but his teammates must now find a way to deal with this devastating loss.
Tragedy struck when a tyre on his car blew out as he overtook another car, causing him to veer off the road before the vehicle caught fire, reports Spain's Guardia Civil.
Following his death, tributes have been paid from the likes of Liverpool FC, Gary Neville and international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Liverpool, who signed him five years ago, wrote: "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."
Prime minister Keir Starmer also paid tribute to the young footballer this morning, saying: "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.
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"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."
Topics: Diogo Jota, Football, Premier League
James Moorhouse