New details paint a harrowing picture of the accident that claimed the lives of Diogo Jota and his brother last week. The Liverpool forward, just weeks into his marriage and with a newborn daughter, was traveling on one of Spain’s most dangerous highways when his car careened off the road and erupted in flames.
The A-52 highway where the crash occurred lacks proper safety barriers and has been repeatedly flagged as hazardous. Emergency responders described a nightmarish scene – the vehicle completely engulfed, with the fire spreading rapidly to nearby vegetation. The inferno was so intense that traditional identification methods proved impossible, forcing authorities to rely on DNA analysis.
Reports indicate Jota was behind the wheel, making the drive to England after doctors advised against flying following lung surgery. His brother André, just 25, accompanied him on what should have been a routine trip ahead of preseason training. Tire marks at the scene tell a story of sudden braking, but whether this was due to mechanical failure, poor road conditions, or another vehicle remains unclear.
Teammates and rivals alike have expressed shock at the loss of the talented striker. Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional tribute captured the disbelief felt across the sport: “You recently got married, and we were on the same national team just now.” As the investigation continues, the football world struggles to process this senseless tragedy.