Liverpool and Portugal footballer Diogo Jota was likely speeding when his car veered off a motorway in Spain last week, killing both him and his younger brother, according to Spanish police.
The Civil Guard confirmed on Tuesday that their ongoing investigation suggests the 28-year-old striker was driving above the speed limit when the vehicle left the road and burst into flames in the province of Zamora on 3 July. Jota’s 25-year-old brother, André Silva, also died in the crash.
“Everything points to a possible excessive speed beyond the road’s speed limit,” the force said, adding that the evidence gathered so far, including tyre marks at the scene, indicates Jota was behind the wheel. Investigators are still looking into the exact sequence of events.
Initial reports suggested a tyre may have burst while the car was overtaking, leading to the vehicle losing control.
Just hours before the fatal incident, Jota had shared a video from his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso. The couple had married on 22 June and shared three children.
News of the tragedy sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Fans, teammates, and clubs expressed their grief, especially in Portugal and at Liverpool, where Jota had become a popular figure since joining the club in 2020.
A large crowd attended the funeral on Saturday in the Porto suburb of Gondomar. Among the mourners were political leaders, international players, and Liverpool staff.
Jota began his professional career with Pacos de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid. He enjoyed successful spells with FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers before signing for Liverpool, where he scored 65 goals in five seasons. He won the FA Cup and League Cup during the 2021–22 season and helped Liverpool clinch a joint-record 20th league title last season.
Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and was part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy earlier this year.
His younger brother André played as a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.