Diogo Jota. File photo: VCG

Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain's Zamora province on Thursday, the Portuguese football federation confirmed the deaths and paid tribute after several media outlet released the news.

According to the latest statement release from the Spanish police, the road accident occurred at 12:30 am local time, when a vehicle left the road. As of now, everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed, per Sky News.

"Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and the other as his brother, Andre Felipe," the statement reads.

The news has quickly sparked widespread attention on Chinese social media platforms and many Chinese football fans mourned the deaths of the two young men.

Chinese netizens paid tribute to this exceptional young footballer on X-like Chinese social media platform Weibo, with one saying "He was still at the peak of his career and had just gotten married — it's truly a case of heaven being jealous of talent." 

Another said: "I still can't believe it. Everything was moving in a good direction. RIP."

According to public records, Jota just got married two weeks ago to his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardosoand, with whom he shared three children.

The Portuguese football federation has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, saying "On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed."

Jota most recently won the Premier League with Liverpool, adding to his FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles. He played an important role throughout his five years with the Reds, including scoring six times in Liverpool's recent Premier League-winning season. He also won the Nations League twice with his country, including the most recent edition in May.

Global Times