Diogo Jota’s heartbreaking final message revealed as Liverpool star’s brother also dies in tragic accident

The football world is in shock following the untimely death of Liverpool and Portugal forward, Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in northern Spain at the age of 28.

Just hours before the fatal crash, Jota had shared a deeply emotional and now-heartbreaking Instagram post—his final social media message—celebrating his recent wedding to his long-time partner and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso.

The post featured a heartwarming video of their wedding ceremony in Porto, Portugal, and was poignantly captioned: “A day we will never forget.”

The post was published less than 24 hours before news of his death broke, making it a devastating farewell that has touched millions across the globe.

In addition, Jota had posted to X (formerly Twitter) five days earlier, marking the special day with the message: “June 22, 2025. Yes, forever,” accompanied by a series of wedding photos that showcased his joy and devotion to Cardoso.

In a recent interview released shortly after their wedding, Jota described himself as “the luckiest man in the world,” a sentiment that has now taken on heartbreaking resonance in light of the tragedy.

The crash occurred on the A-52 motorway in the province of Zamora, a major route often used by travelers heading out of northern Portugal into Spain. Jota was reportedly travelling in the car with his younger brother, André Silva, 26, who is also a professional footballer and is feared to have died alongside him.

According to emergency services in the Castilla and León region, the accident happened in the municipality of Cernadilla. The vehicle was said to have gone off the road and caught fire. In an official statement, the emergency coordination centre confirmed the worst:

“The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.

1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU). From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were dispatched, who confirmed the death of two individuals at the scene.”

The tragic news was officially confirmed by Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation, who issued an emotional statement mourning the loss of both Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.

“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva this morning in Spain,” Proença said.

“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 caps for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents alike. His infectious joy and role as a community reference made him truly special.

“On my behalf and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel—the clubs they represented.

“The Federation has requested a minute of silence before our national team’s match against Spain this Thursday in the UEFA Women’s European Championship, in honor of their memory.

“We have lost two champions. The deaths of Diogo and André represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese football. We will honor their legacy every day.”

Jota had been an active presence on social media in the months leading up to his passing, sharing joyful moments from his professional and personal life.

He had celebrated Liverpool’s recent Premier League triumph—his second league title with the club and the Reds’ 20th overall—by posting several photos from the final day and the victory parade. One image showed Jota surrounded by family and friends, including Rute Cardoso and their three young children, as they soaked in the celebration at Anfield. He captioned the post: “No. 20. Meant to be. #YNWA.”

Just days ago, Cardoso posted on Instagram expressing her joy at their wedding with the caption: “My dream came true.”

In what would become his final public message to her, Jota lovingly replied: “But I’m the lucky one.”

Jota’s sudden death has left fans, teammates, and the broader football community reeling from the shock.

Tributes have continued to pour in from around the world, commemorating a life and career cut heartbreakingly short, and honoring the memory of a man beloved both on and off the pitch.