Liverpool forward Diogo Jota was likely speeding when the Lamborghini he was driving veered off a highway in northwestern Spain, resulting in a deadly crash that killed him and his brother Andre Silva, according to a preliminary police report released Tuesday. Investigators said marks left on the road surface appear to show that one of the tires may have burst just before the vehicle lost control. The Spanish police added that while the final forensic analysis is ongoing, excessive speed is being considered a likely factor. Once complete, the report will be submitted to the local court handling the case and made public afterward.

Crash occurred during late-night journey to ferry terminal

The accident occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday, as Jota and Silva were reportedly traveling toward a ferry terminal in Spain with plans to cross into the United Kingdom. Their car, a Lamborghini, left the road and burst into flames. Emergency services arrived at the scene quickly, but both brothers were pronounced dead. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the blaze, and recovery efforts were delayed due to the severity of the fire. The crash site, a quiet stretch of rural roadway, has since become a temporary memorial as fans leave flowers and tributes in memory of the two players.

Jota’s sudden death shocks football world

Diogo Jota Crash
Diogo Jota, former player for Liverpool FC.

Jota, just 28, had become a key player for both Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, known for his aggressive forward play and ability to change games with quick decisions and decisive finishing. His brother Andre, 26, had been playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division and was considered a promising talent in his own right. Their deaths have left the football community stunned. Teammates, rivals, and supporters from across Europe have shared their sorrow, with tributes pouring in from clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and SL Benfica.

Brothers laid to rest in Gondomar with national mourning

On Saturday, both brothers were laid to rest in their hometown of Gondomar, in northern Portugal, where thousands of fans gathered to pay their final respects. Local officials, former coaches, and representatives from the Portuguese Football Federation were present. Streets were lined with supporters holding Liverpool scarves and wearing Portugal national team jerseys. In a brief statement, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa called Jota’s death a “devastating loss for Portuguese sport.” In the UK, a moment of silence was observed at Premier League matches over the weekend, and Liverpool’s training ground flew flags at half-mast.

Investigation continues as tributes pour in

Police are continuing to analyze the crash, with a focus on whether a mechanical fault contributed alongside the likely high speed. According to reports from El Mundo and El País, the Lamborghini’s tire debris was found scattered over a wide area, and reconstruction teams are evaluating whether it was a tire failure that initiated the loss of control. While results remain pending, the accident has already reopened discussions in Spain and Portugal about high-performance vehicles, driver safety, and the need for stricter oversight on public roads.

Legacy of a player admired far beyond the pitch

As the investigation moves forward, tributes continue to pour in for Jota—a player celebrated for his drive, humility, and dedication on and off the pitch. Fans and fellow athletes alike have echoed the same sentiment: his legacy will live far beyond the game. Memorials continue to grow online and in stadiums, honoring both brothers not just for their talent, but for the deep impact they left on the sport and their communities.