Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were killed in a road traffic accident in Spain overnight.
The car containing Jota and Silva came off the A-52 motorway in the province of Zamora and, despite emergency crews attending the scene, the pair were declared dead.
Jota, 28, was a key member of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League title last season while Silva, 26, played in the Portuguese second division for Penafiel.
A Federação Portuguesa de Futebol e todo o Futebol português estão completamente devastados com a morte de Diogo Jota e do seu irmão André Silva, esta madrugada, em Espanha.
Muito mais do que o fantástico jogador, com quase 50 internacionalizações pela Seleção Nacional A, Diogo… pic.twitter.com/EN901fH6FG
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 3, 2025
We have lost two champions in Diogo Jota and Andre Silva – Proenca
Proenca said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and Portuguese football in general are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and André Silva this morning in Spain.
“Much more than a fantastic player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all colleagues and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and reference [point] 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 to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, they played.
“We have lost two champions. The loss of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to honour their legacy on a daily basis.”
The Portuguese Football Federation have asked UEFA for a minute’s silence to be held prior to tonight’s Women’s Euro 2025 clash against Spain.
Porto pay their respects
Jota spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Porto while Silva was a member of their youth teams.
The 30-time Portuguese champions wrote on X: “FC Porto is in mourning.
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.
“Rest in peace.”
O Futebol Clube do Porto está de luto.
É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação.
Descansem em paz.#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/BXlR8v7y7Z
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025
More to follow
