Spanish Authorities Close Case on Diogo Jota Death: No Criminal Charges Filed

Spanish prosecutors have decided not to pursue criminal charges in connection with the car crash that killed Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in July 2025, according to verified reports from The Athletic and confirmed by regional judicial sources.

The High Court of Justice for Castilla y León ruled that no criminal liability could be established after reviewing evidence from the fatal incident on the A-52 dual carriageway near Puebla de Sanabria in northwestern Spain. Investigators determined the Lamborghini Urus experienced a sudden tyre blowout even as overtaking another vehicle, causing it to strike the central reservation and burst into flames.

Jota, who was 28 at the time of his death, was driving himself and his 25-year-old brother Andre Silva back to England for Liverpool’s pre-season preparations following a minor medical procedure that had advised against air travel. Both players had just completed successful seasons with their respective clubs — Jota helping Liverpool win the Premier League and Portugal claim the UEFA Nations League title in 2025.

Sources from the tribunal told The Athletic: “The Court of First Instance in Puebla de Sanabria dismissed the case last November after assessing the documentary evidence in the file and, in particular, the expert reports issued by the Civil Guard’s Traffic Unit.” The dismissal means no criminal proceedings can be brought, though affected parties retain the right to pursue civil action for damages.

The crash occurred on July 3, 2025, in the province of Zamora, a rural area known for its winding roads and agricultural traffic. Emergency services responded immediately, but both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the impact and subsequent fire.

Diogo Jota had joined Liverpool in 2020 for a reported £41 million after establishing himself at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he made 131 appearances and scored 44 goals across all competitions. His international career with Portugal spanned from 2019 to 2025, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals, including key contributions during the 2025 Nations League victory.

Andre Silva, though less widely known internationally, had progressed through Porto’s youth system and was playing as a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second tier at the time of his death. The brothers were reportedly very close, often training together during off-seasons and sharing a passion for high-performance vehicles.

Liverpool FC released a brief statement at the time of the tragedy, expressing devastation and requesting privacy for the families. The club has since honored Jota’s memory through memorials at Anfield and continued support for his loved ones.

As of April 2026, no further legal actions have been initiated in Spain regarding the case. The judicial conclusion brings closure to a criminal investigation that had drawn significant attention across European football due to the prominence of the victims and the dramatic circumstances of their passing.

The ruling underscores the challenges in assigning criminal blame in single-vehicle accidents where mechanical failure or sudden road hazards are determined to be the primary cause, even when tragic outcomes occur.

For ongoing updates on football news and tributes to players lost too soon, visit Archysport.com’s dedicated memorial section.

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