London: Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in northern Spain alongside his brother less than two weeks after marrying his long-term partner.
The Portuguese brothers were driving into Spain on a major highway when a tyre blew out on their Lamborghini, forcing them off the road. Their vehicle became engulfed in flames.
A star forward, Jota, 28, began playing for his country as a teenager and represented Portugal at the 2022 World Cup while also playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He signed with Liverpool for a reported £41 million ($85 million) in 2020.
Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, 26, was a professional footballer for Portuguese team Penafiel.
Liverpool FC issued a statement while stunned fans responded to the shock and British media scrambled to report the accident.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the statement read.
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
