The Liverpool attacker was involved in a horrific accident with his brother, Andre Silva.
Following the death of Liverpool player Diogo Jota, UEFA approved a request from the Portuguese FA.
Jota, 28, was killed in a car accident with his brother Andre Silva early Thursday morning in Zamora, Spain.
The Portugal international’s brother also played professionally for Penafiel, a second-tier Portuguese side.
The Guardia Civil told BBC Sport that the pair’s Lamborghini abandoned the road after a tyre blew out while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire.
The Zamora Provincial Council also issued a statement that read: “Two young people died in an accident on the A-52 (Palacios de Sanabria).”
“The Rionegro del Puente Fire Station (Northern Zone of the @DiputacionZA Consortium) has responded.”
“The truck caught fire, and the flames spread across the vegetation.
“They were 28 and 26 years old.” RIP.”
Jota died just two weeks after marrying his partner, Rute Cardoso. They have three children together.
The Portugal Football Federation (FPF) issued a statement indicating that they had requested a minute’s silence ahead of Portugal’s group stage encounter against Spain at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 on Thursday evening.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain,” said a statement released by the federation.
“More than an accomplished player with nearly 50 caps for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary guy, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with contagious joy, and a reference in his own community.
“The Portuguese Football Federation extends its heartfelt condolences to Diogo and André Silva’s families and friends, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where they played. The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested that UEFA observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s play against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
“We’ve lost two champs. The deaths of Diogo and André Silva are irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
Jota’s last Liverpool outing was a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on May 25. His final game for Portugal was on June 8, when they defeated Spain in the Nations League final.
UEFA also issued a statement, which read: “On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, as well as his brother André Silva.”
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
According to Sky News correspondent Rob Harris, the Portuguese FA’s request for a minute’s silence has finally been approved.
The UEFA spokesperson stated: “UEFA announces that a moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva who tragically passed away today.”
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