A year without Diogo Jota: remember the tragedy that shook the world of football
Exactly one year ago, football lost Diogo Jota in a tragedy that moved fans, players and clubs around the world.
On July 3, 2025, the Liverpool and Portugal striker died at the age of 28 in a car accident in Spain. His brother, André Silva, 25 years old, a Penafiel player, was also in the vehicle and did not survive.
The tragedy occurred on the A-52 highway, in the Zamora region, in northwest Spain. The Lamborghini in which the brothers were traveling left the road, hit the median and caught fire.
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Images from the scene of the accident that killed Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool player, and his brother, André Silva, a 25-year-old Penafiel player, in the Zamora region, Spain - Octavio Passos/Getty Images
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Images from the scene of the accident that killed Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool player, and his brother, André Silva, a 25-year-old Penafiel player, in the Zamora region, Spain - Octavio Passos/Getty Images
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Images from the scene of the accident that killed Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool player, and his brother, André Silva, a 25-year-old Penafiel player, in the Zamora region, Spain - Octavio Passos/Getty Images
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Images from the scene of the accident that killed Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool player, and his brother, André Silva, a 25-year-old Penafiel player, in the Zamora region, Spain - Octavio Passos/Getty Images
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Images from the scene of the accident that killed Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool player, and his brother, André Silva, a 25-year-old Penafiel player, in the Zamora region, Spain - Octavio Passos/Getty Images
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Images from the scene of the accident that killed Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool player, and his brother, André Silva, a 25-year-old Penafiel player, in the Zamora region, Spain - Octavio Passos/Getty Images
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Images from the scene of the accident that killed Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool player, and his brother, André Silva, a 25-year-old Penafiel player, in the Zamora region, Spain - Octavio Passos/Getty Images
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Images from the scene of the accident that killed Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool player, and his brother, André Silva, a 25-year-old Penafiel player, in the Zamora region, Spain - Octavio Passos/Getty Images
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The news immediately resonated around the world, prompting tributes from clubs, players, fans and sports authorities.
Almost a year after the tragedy, the Spanish justice system closed the investigations without pointing out criminal responsibility. According to the conclusion of the Superior Court of Justice of Castilla and León, no elements were found that would justify the opening of a case related to the accident.
The expert also ruled out one of the hypotheses raised in the first days after the tragedy: that one of the vehicle's tires had burst during a high-speed overtaking. After analyzing the remains at the scene and reports prepared by experts in road accidents, the case was officially closed.
Marriage and titles before the tragedy
The death took on even more dramatic contours because it happened just 11 days after Diogo Jota married Rute Cardoso, his long-time partner and mother of his three children.
The striker had ended the season on a high note. Just before the holidays, he won the Nations League with the Portuguese team and also celebrated the Premier League title with Liverpool, experiencing one of the best moments of his career.
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Diogo Jota was revealed by Paços de Ferreira, debuting for the professional team in 2014 - NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Jota was signed by Atlético de Madrid in 2016. However, despite the Spanish investment, the striker did not play official games for the team, only friendlies - Disclosure/Atlético de Madrid
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Loaned by Atleti to Porto, he defended the Portuguese team in the 2016-17 season - Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
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Still belonging to Atlético, the Portuguese was also loaned to Wolverhampton, who ended up buying the player. At the club, he was champion of the Championship, the second English division - Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
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In the Portugal national team, Jota was two-time Nations League champion, winning the cup in 2019 and 2025. The striker also played in the European Championship in 2021 and 2024 - Disclosure/Instagram
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Diogo Jota with the Premier League trophy for Liverpool. With the English club, he won a total of four titles in five seasons, including two League Cups and one FA Cup - Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Perpetuation through tributes
The impact of Jota's death went beyond the borders of Portugal and England. Throughout the season, several tributes were held in stadiums, ceremonies and international competitions, in addition to symbolic acts and repercussions around the world.
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Liverpool's tribute to former players Diogo Jota and André Silva - Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Mosaic in honor of Diogo Jota, former Liverpool player who passed away at the beginning of July - Michael Steele/Getty Images
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Liverpool fans paying tribute to Portuguese Diogo Jota, former club player, at Premier League debut - Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Poster in honor of Diogo Jota, former Liverpool player - Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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Banners and posters in honor of Diogo Jota, former Liverpool player - Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Graffiti around Anfield in honor of Diogo Jota, former Liverpool player - Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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The Portuguese team also kept the striker's memory alive. In the call-up for the next tournament, coach Roberto Martínez symbolically announced Diogo Jota as an honorary member of the team, highlighting the player's importance to the group.
At the World Cup, the Portuguese was also honored before Portugal x DR Congo. The parents of the former Portuguese player attended the match and were emotional during the tribute in the USA.
The loss also deeply affected the Liverpool squad. During the season, several teammates reported the difficulty of focusing their attention exclusively on football again while facing the grieving process.
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Liverpool FC - Handout/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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Liverpool players accompany Diogo Jota's family at memorial - Disclosure / Liverpool
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One year later, Diogo Jota's absence continues to be felt by family, friends, professional colleagues and fans. In addition to the titles and numbers on the field, the striker left a mark due to his dedication to the club and the Portuguese national team, which continues to be exalted regardless of time.
Former Wolves teammate pays tribute to Diogo Jota in Mexico x USA
Source: CNN