Who was Andre Silva? Everything we know about Diogo Jota’s brother

The world of football is in mourning following the shocking news that Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother have died in a car crash in Spain.

The 28-year-old was killed alongside his brother, Andre Silva, 26, when their Lamborghini went off the road on the A-52 highway in Palacios de Sanabria, near the city of Zamora, early this morning.

Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season and also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Merseyside outfit.

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Although less well-known than his older brother, Silva carved out a respectable football career of his own.

Who was Andre Silva?

He was also a forward, comfortable in any position across the front three.

Silva played for Portuguese second division club Penafiel and helped them finish 11^th last season with two goals and five assists.

He joined from Paços de Ferreira in 2023 having been part of the youth teams at FC Porto.

Futebol Clube Penafiel paid tribute to both players, saying in a statement: ‘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.’

Penafiel’s coach Helder Cristovao told Sport TV: ‘Andre brought different things to our game, a lot of speed. More than the footballer, we have to talk about the person.

‘A very well educated kid. He just took a management course at the university. He never left his studies, he always continued to study and work. He took management because he created a company with his brother.

‘Football has little importance. The most important thing is to support the family members.’

Jota joined Porto on loan in 2016, while his brother was still in the youth system.

It is not known whether Silva had a partner or children. He was described as having been very close to his family, especially his older brother.

FC Porto said the club is ‘in mourning’ in statement, adding: ‘It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.’

Manager Andre Villas-Boas said both brothers represented the club ‘in an exemplary way’.

He said: ‘This is a moment of deep consternation for the entire Porto fan base and for all Portuguese people.

‘Two young men have tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football, but also for their personal and human characteristics.

‘To their family and friends of Diogo and André, still devastated by the injustice of the premature loss of their lives, I extend my condolences.

‘Football has lost two great men.’

The Portuguese football federation said in a statement: ‘The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning.

‘Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community…

‘We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.’

Its president Pedro Proenca said they had asked UEFA for a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain in Switzerland on Thursday.

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