At 8:48 p.m. this Sunday, July 6, 2025, shocking news shook the world of sport and beyond, with the release of the first clear video images showing the fatal accident that took the life of Diogo Jota, the acclaimed Liverpool striker. The images, captured by a security camera along the A-52 in Zamora, Spain, and made public a few hours ago, reveal a chilling detail: the Portuguese footballer’s Lamborghini exploded like a ball of fire, leaving behind an indescribable chaos. The phrase uttered by a local authority official, “The body is no longer intact”, added another layer of horror to a tragedy that has already left an unfillable void in the football community.
The accident occurred on the night of July 3-4, when Diogo, 28, and his brother André Silva were traveling on the road from Vigo to Zamora. According to initial reports from the Guardia Civil, the vehicle apparently suffered a tire blowout while overtaking, causing the luxury car to lose control, crash into a barrier and burst into flames. The images now made public show the exact moment the Lamborghini, known for its speed and power, transformed into a column of flame, lighting up the Spanish night. The video, which lasted less than 10 seconds, was broadcast by a local channel and quickly picked up by international media, sparking reactions of shock and disbelief.
Authorities confirmed that the bodies of Diogo and André were identified through personal remains and DNA analysis, as the intensity of the fire made immediate recognition impossible. The phrase “The body is no longer intact,” reported by a Guardia Civil spokesperson during an emergency press conference, left those present speechless, underlining the severity of the injuries suffered by the two brothers. Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause, with hypotheses including mechanical failure or human error, but the new images raise disturbing questions about what could have triggered such a devastating explosion.
The video’s release has unleashed a wave of emotion among Liverpool fans and world football. On social media, comments ranged from messages of condolence – “Rest in peace, Diogo, you were a warrior” – to expressions of anger at the publication of such graphic images. The Jota family, already shaken by grief, asked for privacy in a short statement, while Rute Cardoso, the widow, has withdrawn with her three young children to process the loss. The funeral, held on July 5 in Gondomar, was attended by hundreds of people, including teammates and figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, but these new images reopen still fresh wounds.
Liverpool FC issued a statement of support for the family, vowing to work with authorities to shed light on the crash. Reds manager Arne Slot called the video “difficult to watch”, adding that the club was considering how best to honour Jota’s memory. The footage, while shocking, could provide crucial clues: sparks can be seen before the explosion, suggesting a possible electrical malfunction or a problem with the fuel tank. Road safety experts are analysing the footage, while the Guardia Civil has promised a thorough investigation.
The tragedy takes on an even more tragic dimension in light of Jota’s recent success. Just days before the accident, the Portuguese had celebrated Portugal’s Nations League win and his marriage to Rute, an event that had filled his private life with joy. His career, which included 65 goals for Liverpool and three titles, came to an abrupt end, and the stark images serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life. Fans are organising a tribute outside Anfield, with banners and candles, as the football community ponders how to prevent similar disasters.
Spanish authorities have warned against speculation, stressing that the investigation is ongoing and that the video does not represent the definitive version of events. However, the release of these images has reignited the debate over the safety of high-performance cars and the need for stricter regulations. For now, the football world mourns the loss of an extraordinary talent, while questions about what really happened that night remain hanging, awaiting answers that may only come with the completion of the investigation. Diogo Jota may be gone, but his memory and the mystery of his final journey live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
