The Portuguese Football Association (FA) has received approval from UEFA for a special request following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
Jota, aged 28, and his brother André Silva died in a car accident early Thursday morning in Zamora, Spain. André, 26, was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
According to the Guardia Civil, the brothers’ Lamborghini veered off the road while overtaking another car due to a tyre blowout, then burst into flames. A statement from the Zamora Provincial Council confirmed the fire also spread to nearby vegetation, and emergency services from the Rionegro del Puente station responded to the incident.
Jota’s death comes just two weeks after marrying his longtime partner Rute Cardoso. The couple shared three children.
In light of the tragedy, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed it had requested UEFA to observe a minute’s silence before Portugal’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group stage match against Spain on Thursday night.
“The FPF and the entire Portuguese football community are heartbroken by the loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva,” the federation said in a statement.
The FPF described Jota as not only a remarkable player—having earned nearly 50 caps for the national team—but also as a beloved figure among peers and within his community.
They extended their deepest sympathies to the players’ families, friends, and clubs—Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel—and committed to honoring the brothers’ legacy.
Jota’s final match for Liverpool was on May 25 against Crystal Palace, while his last international appearance was in Portugal’s Nations League final win over Spain on June 8.
UEFA also issued a statement expressing its sorrow, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
As confirmed by journalist Rob Harris, UEFA granted the FPF’s request. A UEFA spokesperson added: “A moment of silence will be held at all UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 matches today and tomorrow in memory of Diogo Jota and André Silva.”
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