Diogo Jota death: Liverpool and Portugal star was driving not flying to UK due to lung surgery

Spanish authorities are working to determine if the fatal crash that killed Liverpool and Portugal football star Diogo Jota - and his brother - was caused by a blown tyre, speed, or a combination of both.

The 28-year-old, who had only been married two weeks ago, is being mourned across the globe after the fatal crash in Spain’s western region near the city of Zamora just after midnight on Thursday local time.

In a tragic twist, Jota was reportedly driving back to the UK instead of flying because he had recently undergone lung surgery, and doctors had advised him not to fly.

It has been reported he had been on his way to the port city of Santander to take a ferry to England.

A grassed median strip remains charred where the Lamborghini - worth as much as $350,000 - carrying Jota and his brother André Silva crashed after overtaking another vehicle. Silva was also a professional footballer.

Crash investigators are also yet to establish who was driving and at what speed the sports car was travelling.

The Spanish Civil Guard said investigators were working on the theory that one of the tyres blew out, while a Spanish government source said speed was possibly the main cause of the crash.

“At this moment in time, it is impossible to say exactly what speed the car was going, but that is something the Civil Guard investigators will be able to detail — at least approximately — in their final report, from things like the skid marks,” a Civil Guard spokesperson said.

“What I can confirm is that no other vehicle was involved and no one else was hurt.”

Authorities said in a statement, “the car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”

Jota’s death comes just days after he married Rute Cardoso, and in a social media post, he wrote: “Yes to forever.”

The couple had three children, the youngest born last year.

Jota shared a touching message to his wife just days before the crash.

The heartbreaking tragedy comes only 11 days after their joyful wedding ceremony in Porto, Portugal, surrounded by family and friends.

In what now reads as a poignant final tribute, Jota responded to a post from Cardoso on Instagram, where she celebrated their wedding with the words: “My dream came true.”

Jota replied: “But I’m the lucky one.”

Only a day ago, Cardoso posted their wedding video on Instagram with the caption: “A day we will never forget.”

Jota also played for Portugal’s national team and helped them win the Nations League last month. He had represented his country 49 times.

His brother played for Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions.

Liverpool FC said the club was “devastated by the tragic passing” as fans left flowers at Anfield Road.

Jota had celebrated Liverpool’s English Premier League win with the club in May.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and requests that the privacy of Diogo and André’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.”

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and won three major trophies with the Merseyside club.

The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement lamenting the deaths. Federation president Pedro Proença said Portuguese football was “completely devastated.”

“More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community,” Proença said.

“We lost two champions. Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we will all do our best to honour their legacy daily.”

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro commented on the “unexpected and tragic” deaths, saying Jota was “an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name.”

“I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”

Reactions have poured in from around the world, including from non-football stars such as NBA legend LeBron James and tennis icon Rafael Nadal.

“It doesn’t make any sense,” Jota’s Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said. “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married. My condolences to your family, to your wife and to your children. I wish them all the strength in the world. I know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”

The Premier League said it was “shocked and devastated.”

“Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”

UEFA said its thoughts were with relatives, friends and teammates affected “by this heartbreaking loss.”

A moment of silence was observed at the women’s EURO 2025 matches overnight.