Penafiel have said they are filled with “pain and consternation” after their midfielder Andre Silva was killed in a car crash that also claimed the life of his brother, Liverpool’s Diogo Jota.
Silva, 25, and Jota, who was 28, were travelling in a Lamborghini that came off the road and caught fire in the north-western province of Zamora overnight.
Emergency services were reportedly called at 1240am local time after being alerted to an accident on the motorway heading in the direction of Benavente. The fire service extinguished the fire but the medical crew were unable to save Silva or Jota.
Tributes have poured in for both players, and in a statement released on their website, Penafiel said: “Futebol Clube Penafiel expresses its deepest regret for the tragic death of Andre Silva and his brother Diogo Jota, victims of a car accident that occurred in the last few hours.
“The loss of two lives so young and linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation. In this very difficult moment, Futebol Clube Penafiel offers the most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared with Andre and Diogo moments of life and passion for sport.
“The club will decree official mourning and pay tribute in the next sports appointments.
“Rest in peace.”
A former Porto youth player, Silva made 62 appearances for Portuguese second-tier side Penafiel.
He scored seven goals for the club, having joined from hometown club Gondomar in 2023.
At youth level, Silva also played for Padroense, Pacos de Ferreira, Famalicão and Boavista.
Jota made his professional debut at Pacos after coming through their youth ranks, scoring 15 goals in 45 appearances for the club.
Pacos and Famalicao pay tribute
A statement released by Pacos read: “It was with deep pain and dismay that the Futebol Clube de Pacos de Ferreira learned of the death of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
“Diogo and Andre passed through Mata Real where they left their mark. Two extraordinary people, who stood out for their humility, responsibility and immense dedication to the club they defended. Both finished their training at the club, and it was also through FC Pacos de Ferreira that Diogo began to chart his path as a senior athlete.
Para sempre. 🤍
▪️https://t.co/IKaOZZTOJe pic.twitter.com/Z4rTtXk2cN
— FC Paços de Ferreira (@fcpf) July 3, 2025
“Diogo Jota has become a reference of this club. An athlete with a champion attitude who has reached the highest levels of professional football. He is, since his passage, an example for the many athletes we welcome in our training every year and who dream, one day, to win on the world’s biggest stages. He is also for all the Pacenses an example of the guts, dedication and soul that characterizes this club. He’s one of us, and even at a distance he never let the connection created break.
“This was your club, you never hid it. And your name is part of our story. We will perpetuate your history, your legacy, so that the young people of this club continue to want to wear a sweater with your name on their backs.
“To the family of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, to the friends and to all those who had the pleasure of crossing with them, the Futebol Clube de Pacos de Ferreira leaves its most heartfelt sorrow.
“Rest in peace.”
O FC Famalicão manifesta o mais profundo pesar pelo falecimento de André Silva, bem como do irmão Diogo Jota
André Silva foi jogador do nosso clube em 2019/2020, período em que representou a nossa equipa sub-23.
À família enlutada, apresentamos as mais sentidas condolências. pic.twitter.com/dd9Maqm5hB
— Futebol Clube de Famalicão (@FCF1931_Oficial) July 3, 2025
A post on X (formerly Twitter) from Famalicao read: “FC Famalicao expresses its deepest sorrow for the passing of Andre Silva, as well as his brother Diogo Jota.
“Andre Silva was a player for our club in 2019/2020, during which he represented our under-23 team. To the bereaved family, we offer our most heartfelt condolences.”
