As the football world mourns the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, heartbreaking details emerge about the Liverpool star’s final hours.

The football world was shocked by the tragic death of Diogo Jota, who passed away at what should have been an emotional turning point in his life.

Liverpool striker Diogo, 28, died in a horrific car accident along with his younger brother and fellow footballer, André Silva, 26. The talented brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini, which went off the road and caught fire near the historic Spanish city of Zamora.

Diogo, newly married and the father of three, was devoted to his family and a brilliant sporting career. His journey to northwest Spain should have been full of hope, with a bright new chapter opening before him.

Sadly, the brothers never returned to the UK as planned. Instead, fans and teammates today mourn the loss of two young talents with everything to live for.

In this article, the Mirror recounts the tragic final days of Portuguese icon Diogo and the cruel twist of fate that preceded what should have been a triumphant return to the UK.

The devoted Diogo remained, as always, a “peerless professional,” despite the health problems he faced (Image: Getty Images)

Anyone who watched Diogo play in the final weeks of his life probably didn’t know he was dealing with a little-known health issue, now confirmed by his physiotherapist.

As an “unparalleled professional,” Diogo continued to give his all for this beautiful sport, despite suffering from a condition known as pneumothorax, or collapsed lung.

Physiotherapist Miguel Gonçalves, who examined Diogo just five hours before the accident, said the player was so keen to ensure Liverpool won their second Premier League title that he postponed surgery for his pneumothorax. He also wanted to play in Portugal’s Nations League match against Spain in June, which his country went on to win on penalties  .

In what would be one of his last phone calls, Diogo spoke to the president of the Supreme Court of Gondomar, Alvaro Cerqueira (Image: PA)

And in a heartbreaking twist of fate, it now turns out that Diogo had been advised not to fly following lung surgery, and so he and Andre had intended to return to England together.

At the time of the tragedy, the brothers were headed to Santander, with an overnight stop in Benavente. They had planned to take a ferry back to Portsmouth and then continue on to Liverpool.

CNN Portugal’s Rui Laura explained: “He was headed to Santander, a port city in northern Spain, to take the ferry to the UK, and then continue by car once there. He was headed to Liverpool with his brother.”

Diogo had returned to Liverpool after a stint in his native Portugal. On June 8, he came on as a substitute in the national team’s penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Nations League final . Next week, Liverpool’s players will return to their Melwood training ground, with pre-season starting on Tuesday, July 8.

Diogo’s physiotherapist has denied rumours that he and Andre had been partying before the tragedy (Image: FACEBOOK)

Diogo’s physiotherapist, Mr. Gonçalves, who works primarily at a hospital in Porto, explained how the two brothers had chosen to make their fateful car journey in the evening because the weather would be cooler. He added: “I said goodbye to him and his brother André around 8:30 p.m.

His brother was an excellent companion, and he decided to go with him, accompany him on the journey, so they could spend more time together. They would travel at night because it was cooler, but they wouldn’t take the direct route.

In an interview with the Portuguese newspaper Record, Gonçalves revealed: “Diogo was very aware of his professionalism. They were supposed to arrive in Santander only today (Thursday, July 3), take the ship, and then go to England.

“The family would fly in later, organize their lives over the weekend, and then, on Monday, they would make a doctor’s appointment in Liverpool to assess the situation.”

On doctors’ advice, Diogo had decided not to return to the UK (Image: PA)

He continued: “He made an extraordinary recovery; he was undoubtedly an unparalleled professional. He followed my instructions scrupulously, as you can see from the way he was recovering.

The base of his right lung had collapsed slightly, but with post-operative physiotherapy, he was practically perfect. When I left him yesterday, he was pain-free and ready to return to Liverpool. He was excited, confident in his recovery, and enthusiastic about next season.

Mr. Goncalves also responded to the inaccurate rumors he saw circulating on social media that Diogo and André had been partying before their tragic deaths. Setting the record straight, he clarified: “To be clear, Diogo and André were not partying at all.”

After spending time in Portugal, the 28-year-old returned to Liverpool ahead of pre-season (Image: PA)

In the hours before the devastating accident, Jota also spoke with Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira in a heartbreaking phone call. The Liverpool star began his career with Gondomar at the tender age of nine.

Cerqueira said : “It was just after 10 pm last night [Thursday], we were on the phone and he was fine. We spoke almost every week and I know he was going through a good time. When Diogo needed to train during the summer break, he asked to come here and we always provided him with everything he needed.

Diogo spoke with Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira hours before his death (Image: Getty Images)

“His brother usually came too, and they both trained. It’s difficult to talk at a time like this, but what will remain is the image of two very humble people, who leave an immense void.”

Meanwhile, just 11 days before his untimely death, Diogo had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony held in his hometown of Porto.

In those final hours, the couple was still the picture of newlywed bliss, sharing beautiful photos of their special day on Instagram  .

Newly married Diogo died just 11 days after taking vows to his longtime love

The stunning photos shared on the app show the former teenage sweethearts beaming from ear to ear in front of a church altar. Rute wore a fairytale ivory dress and a flowing veil, while groom Diogo was radiant in his suit.

In one photo, the devoted parents stand next to their three children: Dinis, born in February 2021; Duarte, born in March 2023; and a third child, welcomed in December 2024, whose name has not yet been publicly announced.

Rute Cardoso and Diogo Jota had been together since they were teenagers (Image: Instagram)

Another image shows Diogo and Rute walking down the church steps amid a shower of confetti. Reflecting on “the day we will never forget,” the couple vowed, “June 22, 2025. Yes to eternity,” in a now touching caption.

Just hours before the tragedy, Diogo had uploaded a video filled with special moments from their big day, including footage of carefree guests dancing the night away.

The clip is introduced by the following voiceover: “Dear Rute, dear Diogo, today is a day that will mark your lives for the rest of your days.

This is the only day you’ve been able to come together, at the same time, in the same place. Your family, your friends. To celebrate what truly matters, which is love.

Now, loved ones will gather again for a much more solemn occasion. The wake for Diogo and André will be held today (July 4) in São Cosme, while the funeral is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.