Diogo Jota, a Portuguese football star who plays for Liverpool FC, has tragically passed away in a car crash just two weeks after his wedding, according to reports.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred while Jota, 28, was travelling in a car with his brother Andre Silva, who is also a 26-year-old footballer, when their vehicle went off the road.
Silva played in the Portuguese second division for Penafiel.
The crash took place on the A-52 in the province of Zamora, according to Sky News.
The heartbreaking news comes just two weeks after Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto, making the loss even more devastating for his family, friends, teammates, and fans around the world.
Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash, per the Daily Mail.
"The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire," a statement read.
"1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident.
"From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene."
His death has been confirmed by Pedro Proenca, the head of the Portuguese Football Federation.
In a statement, he said: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
"Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself."
The statement continued: "On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
"The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women's European Championship.
"The deaths of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy".
Jota came through Paços de Ferreira’s youth system before making his Primeira Liga debut in 2014.
The star joined Atlético Madrid in 2016 but spent time on loan at Porto and then Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he impressed in the Championship and Premier League.
The star joined Liverpool in September 2020 for a reported £41 million ($56 million) fee.
Jota was known for scoring important goals, including in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.
He notably lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and the Community Shield with Liverpool.
Our thoughts are with Jota's loved ones and fans during this difficult time.