Liverpool and the football world are in mourning following the devastating death of Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother André. The 28-year-old Portuguese international had only recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, 10 days ago.
Softfootball earlier reported that the fatal crash occurred on the A-52 highway near Sanabria in the province of Zamora. Witnesses said the vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames, leaving emergency services with little chance to save the occupants.
Jota’s death has sent shockwaves through football, bringing to light other heartbreaking stories of players whose lives were cut short by tragic road accidents while still in their prime.
Three players who lost their lives in a car accident as Diogo Jota
Jota’s passing mirrors several high-profile losses the football world has endured over the years: young stars with bright futures, taken suddenly and far too soon. Here are the three players highlighted by Softfootball.
Federico Pisani (Italy, 1997)
At just 22, Pisani was seen as one of Italy’s next great strikers. The Atalanta forward had begun to earn recognition for his talent when tragedy struck. After a night out with his girlfriend, Pisani died in a car crash in Milan. Atalanta paid tribute by retiring his number 14 jersey and naming a section of their home stadium in his honour. His death remains one of Italian football’s most painful losses.
Jimmy Davis (England, 2003)
Only 21 and on loan at Watford from Manchester United, Davis was widely regarded as a promising attacking talent. In August 2003, he crashed into a lorry on the M40 motorway while driving to meet up with his teammates. The impact of his death was deeply felt at both clubs. Manchester United wore black armbands in their opening fixture, and Watford held a moment of silence. Davis was remembered as a rising star whose career was tragically unfulfilled.
Junior Malanda (Belgium, 2015)
Wolfsburg’s powerhouse midfielder Junior Malanda was poised for a long international career with Belgium. However, a speeding car and slick roads during a storm ended his life at just 20 years old. Malanda was thrown from the rear seat of an SUV on his way to catch a flight to join his teammates. Wolfsburg retired his jersey number and dedicated the season to their fallen teammate, who had already made 15 Bundesliga appearances.
Meanwhile, Softfooball had reported that Jota’s former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo have sent his condolences to the family of the late player.
Jota died at 28, while his brother Andre was 25 before their demise.
