Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota was likely exceeding the speed limit when his car veered off a motorway in Spain last week, Spanish police revealed on Tuesday. The tragic accident, which also claimed the life of Jota’s younger brother, André Silva, occurred on July 3, just days after the 28-year-old striker had celebrated his wedding.
According to a statement by the Civil Guard, investigators are analysing the tyre marks left on the road, which suggest that Jota may have been driving at a speed beyond the legal limit. “The marks left by one of the vehicle`s wheels…everything points to a possible excessive speed beyond the road`s speed limit,” the authorities stated. On Spanish motorways, the speed limit is generally capped at 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph). The accident took place on the A-52 highway in the province of Zamora, along a largely straight section of road leading into a bend.
Initial assessments had suggested a tyre blowout while Jota was overtaking another vehicle might have triggered the crash, which ended with the car bursting into flames. On Tuesday, the Civil Guard confirmed that “all the tests conducted so far indicate that the driver of the vehicle was Diogo Jota.”
Just hours before the fatal accident, Jota had shared a joyful video from his June 22 wedding to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. Reports from Portuguese and British media indicated that Jota was driving towards Santander to catch a ferry to England, aiming to avoid air travel following a recent lung operation.
The football world united in grief over the weekend, as family, friends, political leaders, and fellow players gathered for the funeral in Gondomar, a suburb of Porto. At Anfield, Liverpool’s iconic stadium, fans have created a moving tribute, covering the area in flowers, scarves, jerseys, and photographs to honour one of their most beloved players.
Jota’s football journey saw him rise through the ranks at Paços de Ferreira before spells with Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2020, he joined Liverpool, quickly becoming a favourite among the Kop faithful. Over five seasons, he found the net 65 times, helping the Reds secure the League Cup and FA Cup in the 2021-22 season and playing a key role in clinching a record-equalling 20th English league title last campaign.
Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and was part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy earlier this year. His brother André, who tragically perished alongside him, was a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
Liverpool resumed training on Tuesday for the first time since Jota’s passing, having delayed pre-season preparations out of respect. Meanwhile, ticket sales for their friendly against Preston North End remain on hold as the club considers whether the match will proceed.
(With AFP inputs)
