Liverpool FC and Portugal national team forward Diogo Jota (28) and his younger brother André Silva (26) have tragically died in a high-speed Lamborghini crash in northwestern Spain while traveling to catch a ferry to England. The fatal accident occurred around 12:35 AM Wednesday on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, close to the Portugal-Spain border, when their £150,000 Lamborghini Urus SUV suffered a catastrophic tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, causing the vehicle to spin out of control, roll multiple times, and burst into flames that spread to nearby vegetation.
Key Details of the Tragedy:
Journey Context:
- Was driving from Portugal to Santander to board a UK-bound ferry
- Avoiding flights post-lung surgery (medical advice)
- Planned to continue to Liverpool by car for preseason training
Crash Dynamics:
- Front tire failure during overtaking caused loss of control
- Vehicle rolled 4-5 times before ignition
- Fire engulfed SUV and surrounding brushland
Emergency Response:
- Zamora firefighters and Mombuey medics rushed to scene
- Both brothers pronounced dead at site
- Investigation ongoing to determine driver at time of crash
Heartbreaking Backstory:
- Jota had just married longtime partner Rute Cardoso two weeks prior
- Was returning to Liverpool after offseason recovery
- Had history of pulmonary issues requiring careful travel planning
Football World Reacts:
- Liverpool FC preparing official statement
- Portugal squad dedicating next match to brothers
- FIFA President: “A dark day for football”
