The football world is reeling from the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s death, but the tragedy deepens with the loss of his younger brother, André Silva, who also perished in the same car crash in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025. While Diogo was a global star with Liverpool and the Portuguese national team, André was quietly building his own footballing journey in Portugal.
A Rising Talent in Portuguese Football
André Silva, aged 26, was a professional footballer who played for FC Penafiel, a club in Portugal’s second division. Like his older brother, André began his footballing career in the youth ranks of FC Porto, where he was known for his technical skill and work ethic. Though he didn’t reach the same international fame as Diogo, André was respected in domestic circles and had a promising career ahead.
The two brothers were travThe Fatal Accidenteling together in a Lamborghini on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, when the vehicle reportedly suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing it to veer off the road and burst into flames2. Emergency services arrived quickly, but both men were declared dead at the scene. The crash occurred just 11 days after Diogo’s wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso, adding a heartbreaking layer to the loss.
Tributes and Mourning
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the deaths and expressed deep sorrow, calling the brothers “two champions” and vowing to honor their legacy. FC Porto also paid tribute, noting that both Diogo and André had once worn their colors with pride. A minute of silence was observed before Portugal’s Women’s Euro match against Spain.
A Family Shattered
The Silva family now faces an unimaginable loss—two sons, both footballers, both gone in a single moment. While Diogo’s name was known across stadiums worldwide, André’s story was still being written. His death is a reminder that behind every public figure are loved ones with dreams, struggles, and stories of their own.
As tributes pour in from across the globe, the football community mourns not just a star, but a brotherhood lost too soon.