Jota died in crash while likely speeding – Police

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Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota was likely speeding when his car veered off a Spanish motorway last week, killing him and his brother, according to Spanish police.

The tragic deaths of 28-year-old Jota and his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva, on 3 July, shocked the football world, coming less than a fortnight after the striker’s wedding.

Investigators are examining tyre marks from the vehicle, and the Civil Guard reported that “all indications point to possible excessive speed beyond the legal limit.”

They added, “All tests conducted so far confirm that Diogo Jota was driving the vehicle.”

Earlier, police had suggested that a tyre may have burst while the car was overtaking, causing it to crash and catch fire in Spain’s north-western Zamora province.

Just hours before the accident, Jota had shared a video from his 22 June wedding to his partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.

The deaths prompted a global outpouring of grief, particularly in Portugal and among Liverpool fans.

Political figures, teammates, and supporters gathered with family and friends at the brothers’ funeral in Gondomar, a suburb of Porto, on Saturday.

Fans also laid flowers outside Anfield in tribute to Jota.

Jota, who previously played for Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, joined Liverpool in 2020 and became a fan favourite. He scored 65 goals in five seasons, winning both the League Cup and FA Cup in the 2021/22 season, and helping Liverpool secure their 20th league title last season.

He earned 49 caps for Portugal and contributed to their victory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. His younger brother, Andre Silva, played as a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.