Diogo Jota dead at 28 after car crash as fans mourn Liverpool and Portugal star

Liverpool's Diogo Jota has died in a car accident aged 28.

The Portuguese forward died early this morning in a traffic accident in Zamora province, according to reports. The accident reportedly occurred at kilometer 65 on the A-52, close to the Sanabria area in Zamora.

President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proenca has also confirmed that Jota's brother, Andre, 26, died in the incident. The news arrives just days after the Portugal international married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso, with whom he has two children.

Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash with a statement which read: "The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.

"1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident.

"From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene."

A tribute has been paid by Proenca on social media, which reads: "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 André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.

"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.

"Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy."

Jota first arrived in England with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018, signing initially on loan from Atletico Madrid before his permanent transfer in July of that year.

He swiftly emerged as a brilliant forward option for the club, and having proven himself in the Premier League, landed a move to Liverpool in 2020.

Jota moved for a substantial £41million, and made his Reds debut under Jurgen Klopp in September of that year. He won a Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups with Liverpool.