- Accident Details: What Happened and How?
- Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder: The Dream Car That Became a Tragedy
- Circumstances of the Accident: What Exactly Happened?
- Who Was Driving the Car?
- Impact on the Football World
- Diogo Jota’s Personal Life
- Official Reactions
- Road Safety and the Importance of Caution
Portuguese football star and Liverpool striker Diogo Jota died in a tragic car accident in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, on the A-52 highway near Zamora in northwest Spain. The accident, which claimed the lives of Jota and his brother André Silva, also a footballer, shocked the sports world and led to widespread mourning among football fans globally.
Accident Details: What Happened and How?
The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time, when the car carrying Diogo Jota and his brother attempted to overtake another vehicle on a busy highway. According to the Spanish police (Guardia Civil), a tire blowout during the overtaking maneuver caused the driver to lose control of the car, which then veered off the road and burst into flames.
The car they were in was a Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder in acid green, a high-performance supercar and one of Lamborghini’s most famous and best-selling models. Wreckage at the scene indicated the car exploded immediately after leaving the road, making rescue efforts difficult and resulting in the immediate death of both brothers.
Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder: The Dream Car That Became a Tragedy
The Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder is a high-performance sports car produced by the renowned Italian manufacturer Lamborghini, and is among the most popular choices for celebrities and athletes worldwide. The car is priced at around £250,000 (approximately $340,000), produced between 2014 and 2024, with more than 25,000 units sold.
This car features a powerful V10 engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 325 km/h. Its aerodynamic design and outstanding performance make it a favorite among speed and luxury enthusiasts.
However, despite its impressive specs, the Huracán Evo Spyder has faced several safety recalls in recent years. In September 2024, Lamborghini recalled 39 units in the U.S. due to possible improper installation of a crash protection component at the factory. Thousands more were recalled for issues with lighting and infotainment systems, as well as concerns over alarms and seat belts.
These recalls highlight the safety challenges faced by high-performance cars, especially when driven at high speeds.
Circumstances of the Accident: What Exactly Happened?
According to Spanish police reports, the main cause of the accident was a tire blowout during an overtaking attempt, leading to loss of vehicle control. The car veered off the road, flipped over, and caught fire rapidly. The blaze spread to nearby vegetation, complicating rescue efforts.
No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and both Diogo Jota and his brother André were confirmed dead at the scene. Investigations are ongoing to determine further details, with excessive speed possibly being a contributing factor.
Who Was Driving the Car?
Authorities have not officially confirmed whether Diogo Jota or his brother André Silva was driving at the time, though Spanish media reported that either could have been behind the wheel during the ill-fated overtaking maneuver.
Impact on the Football World
Diogo Jota, 28, was a standout player for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. He joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for around €45 million, delivering stellar performances that helped the club win several domestic and continental titles. Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and was a key part of their Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup triumphs.
His brother André was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division, and had a respectable career.
Their simultaneous deaths left a deep impact on the sports community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, clubs, football federations, and fans worldwide.
Diogo Jota’s Personal Life
Just two weeks before the accident, Diogo Jota had celebrated his marriage to his partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. He was known for having a stable and happy personal life, making the tragedy even more devastating for his family and loved ones.
Official Reactions
Lamborghini expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and confirmed full cooperation with Spanish authorities in the investigation. Portuguese and English football associations also sent heartfelt condolences to the Jota family and friends.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro posted on X: “We lost two heroes. The deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother are a huge loss for Portuguese football, and we will honor their memory every day.”
Road Safety and the Importance of Caution
Diogo Jota’s death highlights the risks drivers face—even the most skilled and experienced—especially when driving high-performance cars like the Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder. High speed, loss of control, or mechanical issues such as tire blowouts can lead to tragic accidents.
Safety experts always advise adhering to traffic laws, maintaining vehicles properly, regularly checking tires, and not exceeding speed limits, especially on highways.
The tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother in a Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder shocked both the football and automotive worlds. Details indicate a tire blowout during overtaking led to loss of control and a catastrophic fire. Despite the supercar’s power and advanced features, it could not prevent this devastating outcome.
