The Portugal international’s brother, André Silva, also died in the accident, which occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Silva, 26, was also a professional footballer, playing for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.
The Guardia Civil told BBC Sport that Jota and his brother died at around 00:30 local time on Thursday.
They said that their car, a Lamborghini, veered off the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire.
Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso — with whom he had three children — just last month.
He had recently posted pictures on social media from the ceremony, which took place on 22 June.
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title in 2020 and also played for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League in 2019.
“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” read an FPF statement.
“Much more than an amazing player with almost 50 international appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents — someone with an infectious joy and a true role model in the community.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy.”
The FPF has requested that European football’s governing body, UEFA, observe a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euros game against Spain on Thursday.
Jota began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira before joining Atlético Madrid in 2016. He spent the 2016–17 season on loan at Porto, where his brother was then a youth player.
“FC Porto is in mourning,” read a club statement.
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Rest in peace.”
After leaving Porto in 2017, André Silva spent time in the youth academies of three other Portuguese clubs before joining Gondomar in 2021.
He joined Penafiel on a free transfer in 2023 and made 59 league appearances over the past two seasons.
Jota scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for Portugal, helping them win the Nations League in 2019.
Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, said: “The news of the deaths of Diogo Jota — an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name — and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football, and for both national and international sport.”
Jota had been playing in England since 2017, when he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan from Atlético before making the move permanent in 2018.
The Football Association said: “We are devastated.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo’s family, friends, and teammates at Liverpool and Portugal.”
Source: BBC
