Diogo Jota's heartbreaking final Instagram post as Liverpool star dies in car crash aged 28

Liverpool forwardDiogo Jota has tragically died in Spain just days after his wedding. The Portugal international and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident on Thursday.

The 28-year-old took toInstagram just hours before his death to post a now heartbreaking video of his wedding day, which showed the build-up to the ceremony and the joyous celebrations. Jota, who married long-time partner Rute Cardoso 11 days ago, captioned the post: "A day we will never forget,” along with a love heart.

They had been in a relationship since 2012, with Jota proposing to her in July 2022 at a lakeside setting. The couple had three children together.

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Just days before his passing, Rute and Jota had shared photos of the ceremony, which took place in a grand church last month. She had written: “Yes to forever. My dream came true." Her husband wrote: "I'm the lucky one."

Rute wore a white dress as Jota opted for a smart navy suit. They shared pictures of them in front of the altar with their children and the couple emerging from the ceremony with a bouquet of flowers.

The Instagram post of their wedding day received over 190,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments. His final post - the video montage of his wedding - currently has over 62,000 likes.

Jota died in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora along with his brother Andre. The 26-year-old was also a professional footballer for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.

The BBC reports that Jota and his brother died at about 00:30 local time on Thursday. It was reported that their car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire.

Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 and become a cult hero thanks to his important goals, including nine last season as the Reds won the Premier League. He netted a total of 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Anfield side.

He also played for Portugal as they defeated Spain in the final of the Nations League in June. He was currently enjoying his summer break before returning to Liverpool for pre-season.

Tributes have poured in for the beloved forward. His club issued a statement which read: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."

A statement from his nation's football federation, meanwhile, said: "The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated.

"Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.

"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."