Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 in a car crash. 

Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in the accident in Spain, which took place shortly after midnight local time on Thursday. 

The crash took place in the Spanish province of Zamora. 

Jota's brother was 26 and also a professional footballer. He played for Portuguese second-tier team Penafiel.

"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," a statement from the Premier League club read.

"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’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 had only just married his long-term partner, with whom he had three children, on June 22.

"A road accident occurred at 12.30am this morning on the A-52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora," a statement from the Guardia Civil read.

Jota made 398 professional appearances across his career, turning out for Liverpool 182 times since completing a move to Anfield from Wolves back in September 2020. 

He helped Arne Slot's team win the Premier League in 2024-25 and also featured for Portugal as they beat Spain in the Nations League final on June 8.

Jota started his career with Pacos de Ferreira. He had spells with Atletico Madrid and Porto before joining Wolves, initially on loan, in 2017.

He won the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup with Liverpool and collected two Nations League titles with his country.

"The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated," read a 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 reference in the community itself.

"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."

Portugal's women's team have a European Championship game against Spain on Thursday and the FPF has requested that UEFA observe a minute's silence ahead of kick-off.

Jota joined Atletico Madrid in 2016, but spent the following season on loan with Porto, where his brother also played in the youth team.

"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 Andre Silva. Rest in peace."

Portugal's prime minister, Luis Montenegro, also paid tribute after the news.

He said: "The news of the death 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 national and international sports."

Jota spent the last eight years of his playing career in England, making 131 Wolves appearances before his transfer to Anfield.

The Football Association said: "We are devastated. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo's family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal."