AFCON 2025
The football community, not just the Liverpool Football Club family, is still trying to come to terms with the news of the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The duo, unfortunately, died in a fatal crash in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Zamora province of Spain.
Diogo Jota’s death comes less than 10 days after his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three kids.
Jota’s brother, Silva, also played football and played last for Penafiel as a midfielder in the Portuguese second division.
Here are 7 things to know about the late Diogo Jota’s brother, André Silva:
1. Early Beginnings in Gondomar
André Silva was born on April 28, 2000, in Gondomar, Portugal. His unfeigned love for football started at a tender age. He started his career with his hometown club, Gondomar SC, in 2008 as he took formal steps towards a promising career.
2. FC Porto’s Youth Academy product
André Silva was a product of FC Porto’s prestigious youth academy. His time at the academy was a developmental period, where he honed his skills and developed into a dynamic midfielder and left-winger.
3. Dynamic Player
The late André Silva was 1.68 meters tall. He played primarily as an attacking midfielder but was tactically adaptable. He played as a left-winger and sometimes as a false 9 as he displayed his flair and flexibility on the pitch.
4. A Journey Through Portuguese Football
André Silva grew through the ranks in Portuguese football as he featured for a couple of clubs, including Famalicão U23, Boavista U23, Gondomar, and Penafiel. He had quite a steady progression through Portugal’s local football system, even though he didn’t command a significant transfer fee.
5. Market Value
André’s market value reached a career-high of €450,000 as of June 2025. He has delivered consistent performances, particularly making the 26-year-old one of Penafiel’s most important players since his arrival in 2023.
6. André Silva’s last game and goal
Before his tragic death, André Silva played his last game was a home fixture against Chaves at the Estadio Municipal 25 de Abril on 15 May 2025, where he featured for 90 minutes as it ended in a stalemate. His last goal was against Benfica B in a one-all draw at the Benfica Campus, Seixal, four days earlier.
7. Unfeigned Love for Football
André Silva’s love for football was undeniable, even though André never commanded a big transfer fee. He was committed to improving and competing at various levels of Portuguese football, while inspiring the younger generation to pursue their dream of playing football regardless of whether or not they make a big money move.
