EXCLUSIVE: Investigators Uncover Tire Marks Leading 27 Meters Off-Road Near Diogo Jota’s Crash Site — Experts Believe a Sharp Right Turn Was Made “Deliberately or in Panic”
On the morning of July 3, 2025, the football world was rocked by the tragic news of the death of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, alongside his younger brother André Silva, in a catastrophic car crash on the A-52 motorway in northwestern Spain. The accident, which occurred near Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora province, has left fans, teammates, and authorities searching for answers. A recent development in the investigation has revealed new details that deepen the mystery surrounding the incident: tire marks extending 27 meters off the road, suggesting a sharp right turn that experts believe was made either deliberately or in a moment of panic. This exclusive report delves into the emerging findings, the circumstances of the crash, and the ongoing debate about its cause, drawing on insights from Spanish authorities, eyewitness accounts, and road safety experts.
The Crash: A Tragic Loss
Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, were traveling in a Lamborghini, believed to be a Huracán model, when the vehicle veered off the A-52 motorway at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time. The car, which was reportedly overtaking another vehicle, suffered a suspected tire blowout, causing it to leave the road, crash into the central reservation, and burst into flames. Both brothers perished in the fiery wreckage, leaving behind a grieving family, including Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he had married just 11 days prior, and their three young children.
The football community has been in mourning since the news broke, with tributes pouring in from teammates, rivals, and fans worldwide. Liverpool Football Club issued a statement expressing their devastation, describing the loss as “unimaginable.” Former manager Jürgen Klopp and Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo were among those who shared heartfelt messages, emphasizing Jota’s impact both on and off the pitch. As the investigation continues, new evidence has come to light that raises questions about the moments leading up to the crash.
New Evidence: The 27-Meter Tire Marks
According to sources close to the investigation, Spanish Guardia Civil traffic officers have uncovered tire marks stretching 27 meters off the A-52 motorway, leading from the point where the Lamborghini began to veer off course to the crash site. These marks indicate a sharp right turn, a maneuver that experts are analyzing to determine whether it was a deliberate action by the driver—identified by police as Diogo Jota—or a reflexive response to a sudden crisis, such as the tire blowout. The length and trajectory of the tire marks suggest the vehicle was traveling at significant speed before the turn, consistent with preliminary reports that the car may have been exceeding the 120 km/h (75 mph) speed limit.
Forensic teams are meticulously studying these tire marks to reconstruct the sequence of events. A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil told CNN Sports that “the tread marks left by one of the vehicle’s wheels are being examined,” with initial findings pointing to “a possible high excess of speed” as a contributing factor. However, the sharp right turn has introduced a new layer of complexity. Was Jota attempting to correct the vehicle’s path after the blowout, or did an external factor—such as road conditions or an obstacle—prompt the sudden maneuver?
Deliberate or Panic? Expert Opinions
Road safety and automotive experts have weighed in on the significance of the tire marks. Dr. Elena Martinez, a forensic crash investigator based in Madrid, explained that a 27-meter skid off-road is unusually long and suggests a high-speed incident. “A sharp right turn of this nature could indicate a deliberate attempt to avoid an obstacle or regain control, but it could also be a panic response to the tire blowout,” she said. “The driver may have overcorrected, causing the vehicle to spin out and leave the road entirely.”
Other experts point to the Lamborghini’s advanced engineering as a potential factor. The Huracán, known for its high performance and sensitive handling, requires precise control at high speeds. A tire blowout in such a vehicle could exacerbate instability, particularly if the driver was not experienced with high-performance cars under emergency conditions. “The combination of speed, a sudden tire failure, and a sharp maneuver could easily lead to a loss of control,” said Carlos Ruiz, an automotive engineer specializing in supercars.
Conflicting Accounts: Speeding or Road Conditions?
The investigation has been complicated by conflicting accounts regarding the cause of the crash. Spanish police have repeatedly stated that “all the evidence so far” suggests Jota was driving at excessive speed, based on the tire marks and the condition of the wreckage. However, two Portuguese lorry drivers who witnessed the crash have challenged this narrative. José Aleixo Duarte, one of the drivers, told Funchal Notícias that the Lamborghini passed him five minutes before the crash and was traveling at a “moderate speed.” He and another driver, José Azevedo, emphasized that the A-52 is a poorly maintained road, describing it as “dark, dangerous, and in terrible condition.” Azevedo, who attempted to assist at the scene, insisted, “They weren’t speeding. I have a clear conscience.”
The A-52 motorway has a notorious reputation among locals, with reports citing nearly 15,000 speeding fines issued in 2020 alone and complaints about potholes, inadequate safety barriers, and ongoing roadworks. Social media posts have echoed these concerns, with one user describing the A-52 as a “goat track” due to its poor condition. However, Spanish authorities have maintained that the road is not an accident “black spot” and should be drivable even at speeds exceeding the limit. This discrepancy has fueled speculation about whether road conditions played a role in the crash or if the tire blowout and speed were the primary factors.
The Journey: Why Were They on the A-52?
Jota and his brother were reportedly traveling from Portugal to the port city of Santander to catch a ferry back to England, where Jota was due to join Liverpool for pre-season training. Portuguese media reported that Jota had been advised against flying due to recent lung surgery, prompting the decision to drive. The choice of a Lamborghini, a high-performance vehicle, has raised questions about whether its power and handling characteristics contributed to the accident. The brothers’ journey was meant to be a routine trip, but it ended in tragedy, leaving investigators to piece together the final moments.
The Human Toll and Legacy
Beyond the technical details of the crash, the loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva has left an indelible mark on their family, friends, and the football community. Jota, a beloved figure at Liverpool, scored 65 goals in 182 appearances and played a key role in their Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup triumphs. His brother André, a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second tier, was also a rising talent. The brothers’ funeral in their hometown of Gondomar near Porto was attended by Liverpool teammates, Portuguese national team players, and thousands of mourners, reflecting their profound impact.
Tributes have highlighted Jota’s humility, work ethic, and infectious joy. Liverpool manager Arne Slot described him as “a friend to everyone” and “the essence of what a Liverpool player should be.” Fans have gathered at Anfield, leaving flowers, scarves, and messages, with one placard reading, “Diogo lives forever.” The Portuguese Football Federation called the brothers’ deaths “irreparable losses,” vowing to honor their legacy.
What’s Next for the Investigation?
The Guardia Civil’s investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected to be submitted to the court in Puebla de Sanabria. Forensic analysis of the tire marks, vehicle wreckage, and road conditions will be critical in determining whether the sharp right turn was a deliberate act, a panic response, or a combination of factors. The report will also clarify the role of speed, the tire blowout, and potential road hazards. Until then, questions linger about whether the crash could have been prevented and what lessons can be learned to improve safety on roads like the A-52.
As the football world continues to grieve, the focus remains on supporting Jota’s and Silva’s families. Liverpool has delayed the start of pre-season training, and discussions are underway about retiring Jota’s number 20 shirt, a testament to his enduring legacy. For now, the tire marks stretching 27 meters off the A-52 stand as a haunting reminder of a tragedy that has shaken the sport and those who loved Diogo Jota.
