Fatal Journey on the A-52 Highway
Early on 3 July, a Lamborghini driven by 28-year-old Liverpool forward Diogo Jota lost control on a wet stretch of the A-52 motorway near the village of Sernadilla (Zamora province), broke through the guardrail and caught fire. The player and his younger brother André, who played for Penafiel, were pronounced dead before rescue crews arrived. Preliminary findings indicate that a rear-tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre caused the crash; the police will publish their final report after a technical examination.
The Reds’ Rising Star
Over five seasons on Merseyside, Jota became a crowd favourite: 65 goals in 182 appearances, a predatory instinct in the box and a willingness to snap into tackles made him the perfect pressing forward in Jürgen Klopp’s—and more recently Arne Slot’s—system. In May 2025 the Reds reclaimed the Premier League title, and the Portuguese’s contribution was decisive: his brace in the April derby against Everton effectively cemented Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table.
From Paços de Ferreira to Anfield
Jota’s football geography is impressive: Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid, a loan spell at Porto, a rapid rise with Wolverhampton—and, finally, a €45 million move to Anfield. At every club the winger quickly became a key performer thanks to his pace, sharp cuts from the flank into the middle and knack for finding space between defensive lines.
Portugal National Team Loses a Leader
With the national team Jota lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy twice: in 2019 and 2023 he appeared in the finals, replacing either Cristiano Ronaldo or João Félix at the tip of the attack. Coach Roberto Martínez called Diogo a “tactical chameleon” — a player capable of covering several positions across the front line within 90 minutes.
Football World in Mourning
Immediately after the official announcement, the club darkened its crest, and Klopp, in a short address, called Jota “the perfect footballer and person, who turned the team into a family”. Condolence messages arrived from FIFA, UEFA, all of the striker’s former clubs and countless supporters, who are already laying red scarves and candles at the legendary Shankly Gates. On Friday a book of remembrance will be opened at Anfield, and in the 20th minute of the next Premier League match the stadium is expected to rise to its feet — Jota’s squad number.
