Diogo Jota, a notable striker for Liverpool and the Portuguese national team, tragically passed away in a car crash on Thursday in Spain, as confirmed by the Portuguese soccer federation. He was only 28 years old.

The club issued a heartfelt statement:

“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.”

The fatal accident occurred on the Rias Bajas Highway near Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora, northwestern Spain. Notably, Jota had recently celebrated his marriage less than two weeks prior.

Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, expressed the sorrow felt across the nation:

“The Portuguese Futebol Federation and all Portuguese Futebol are completely devastated with the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva this morning in Spain.”

He joined Luis Montenegro, the Portuguese Prime Minister, who stated:

“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal’s name, and his brother, is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”

Jota joined Liverpool in September 2020 for approximately $40 million, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances, celebrating numerous victories including the 2024-25 Premier League title and two UEFA Nations League trophies with Portugal.

CBS Sports will provide further updates as information develops.