Portuguese Football Mourns the Loss of André Silva, Brother of Diogo Jota, After Tragic Accident

André Silva, a 25-year-old midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division, has died following a car accident that also took the life of his brother, Liverpool star Diogo Jota. The news has sent shockwaves through Portuguese football and beyond.

According to a previous report, Diogo Jota died in a car crash in Spain.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The tragic accident took place early Thursday morning in the province of Zamora, Spain. Both Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his younger brother, André Silva, were killed instantly when their vehicle left the road. Local authorities quickly confirmed both men had died at the scene. The news soon spread, plunging the football community into mourning and confusion, especially given the shared name with another prominent Portuguese international, André Silva of RB Leipzig, who is not related and is alive.

WHO WAS ANDRÉ SILVA?

André Silva, Diogo Jota’s brother, played as an attacking midfielder for FC Penafiel in Liga Portugal 2. Though he did not enjoy international recognition like his brother, André had established himself as a respected player in Portugal’s second tier. This past season, he made regular appearances for Penafiel, showcasing dedication and promise on the field.

IMPACT ON THE FOOTBALL COMMUNITY

The deaths of both brothers have left Penafiel and Liverpool devastated. Penafiel, who finished the 2024/25 season in mid-table, had relied on André’s skill and work rate. The sudden loss also comes as Liverpool prepares for their upcoming pre-season matches against Crystal Palace for the Community Shield and Penafiel looks ahead to the new Liga Portugal 2 campaign. Clubs, teammates, and supporters across Portugal, England, and Europe have expressed their condolences, highlighting the void left by these two footballers. The football world will pause this weekend to honor their memory, as both teams face the challenge of moving forward without key members of their squads.

As noted in a previous report, Liverpool won their 20th English top-flight title in the 2024/25 Premier League season.