Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, passes away in car crash

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, passes away in car crash (AP Photo)

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota passed away in a car crash in Spain. He was 28 years old. Jota was travelling with his brother Andre, 26, also a footballer. It is being reported that both of them passed away in the tragic incident, sending shockwaves in the footballing world. His brother played for Pennafiel, a Portuguese second division club.

Initial reports stated that the car went off road on the A-52 in the province of Zamora, in northwestern Spain. It took place on the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52) near Palacios de Sanabria at around 12:40 am local time.

The incident comes just two weeks after Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto. He had three children.

Jota started his career in his country Portugal before signing for Atletico Madrid in Spain. From there he moved to England, where he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers. He then signed for Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolves for a transfer fee of over £40million.

Jota was a key member of the Merseyside club in the five years he played for Liverpool. In fact, Jota scored six goals in Liverpool's recent Premier League-winning season.

Apart from football, Jota was also interested in video games and owned an eSports team. He regularly streamed on Twitch.

Liverpool release statement

A statement released by Liverpool stated: "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."