Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car accident in Spain, police said Thursday.
Spanish civil security confirmed to the Associated Press that Jota and his brother were found dead after getting off a road near the city of Zamora in the west. Authorities said the car was in flames by Lamborghini, according to Spanish media.
The police were investigating the cause. They said no other vehicles involved.
Jota, 28, and his brother, Andre Silva, 25, both Portuguese players in the car.
Jota’s death comes weeks after he married Root Caldoso, writing in a social media post, “Yes, forever.” They had three children. He is the youngest person born last year.
Jota also played for the Portuguese national team and helped win the Nations League last month.
Silva played against Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower division.
Liverpool said the club was “devastated by tragic passages.”
“Liverpool FC has not commented any further at this time and is requesting the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and won three major trophies at Merseyside Club, including last season’s Premier League title
The Portuguese Football Federation has issued a statement lamenting his death. Federation President Pedro Proenza said Portuguese football is “completely devastated.”
“Over the incredible player with nearly 50 appearances on the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary figure who was respected by all his colleagues and enemies. He had a contagious delight and was a community reference,” Proenza said in a statement.
The Portuguese federation said it had requested a minute of silence before Portugal-Spain’s Thursday match at the Women’s European Championships in Switzerland.
“We lost two champions,” Proenza said. “Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we all do our best to respect their legacy every day.”
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Associated Press Football Writer James Robson contributed to this report. Doctor
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