🔥Juanito, Motjeka Madisha, Diogo Jota – Reyes, 15 footballers who died in car accidents

footballers who have died in car accident

 

The world of football is often filled with stories of triumph, skill, and passion. However, it also, at times, faces profound tragedy with some footballers losing their lives to tragic car accidents.

 

 

 

The sudden and untimely deaths of players, particularly in devastating car accidents, cast a long shadow over the sport, reminding us of the fragility of life.

 

 

 

These incidents leave fans, teammates, and families heartbroken, often cutting short careers and lives filled with immense promise and achievement.

 

 

 

Here, we remember ten footballers who tragically lost their lives in car accidents:

 

 

 

1. Diogo Jota and André Silva

 

 

 

In a deeply saddening and very recent event, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva (also a footballer) died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. This news has sent shockwaves through the football community, marking a tragic loss for both families and clubs.

 

 

 

2. Jose Antonio Reyes

 

 

 

The former Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Sevilla forward died in a car crash in June 2019 at the age of 35. Reyes was a gifted winger known for his pace and technical ability, and his death was met with widespread grief across European football.

 

 

 

3. Freddy Rincón

 

 

 

The Colombian football legend, known for his powerful presence in midfield for clubs like Real Madrid and Corinthians, passed away in April 2022 after being involved in a car accident. Rincón was a key figure in the golden generation of Colombian football.

 

 

 

4. Juanito (Juan Gómez González)

 

 

 

A true Real Madrid icon, Juanito died in a car crash in April 1992 at the age of 37, after retiring from professional football. He remains one of the club’s most revered figures, remembered for his fiery spirit and dedication.

 

 

 

5. Laurie Cunningham

 

 

 

The groundbreaking English winger, who made history as one of the first black players to represent England at senior level and also played for Real Madrid and Manchester United, died in a car accident in Spain in July 1989. His career was tragically cut short at just 33.

 

 

 

6. Rommel Fernández

 

 

 

The Panamanian striker, who enjoyed a successful career in the Spanish league for clubs like Valencia and Albacete, died in a car crash in May 1993 at the young age of 27. He was a beloved figure in Panamanian football.

 

 

 

7. Georgy Asparuhov

 

 

 

One of Bulgaria’s most legendary footballers and a national hero, Asparuhov died in a car accident in June 1971 at the age of 28, along with his teammate Nikola Kotkov. Their deaths were a profound loss for Bulgarian football.

 

 

 

Related News

 

 

 

Jota: Liverpool to ‘immortalise’ number 20 shirt

 

 

 

5 things to know about Andre Silva, footballer who died in car crash with Jota

 

 

 

Diogo Jota was travelling by car after doctors advised him not to fly

 

 

 

8. Peter Houseman

 

 

 

An English striker known for his time with Chelsea, he died in a car accident in 1977. His passing was a sad moment for the club and its fans.

 

 

 

9. Marino Klinger

 

 

 

A Colombian footballer who played for prominent clubs like Millonarios and Independiente Santa Fe, he died in a drowning accident involving his car in May 1975.

 

 

 

10. Heraldo Bezerra

 

 

 

A Brazilian footballer who had a significant career in Argentina and Spain, notably for Atlético de Madrid, he died in a car accident in 1977.

 

11. Antonio Reyes (Spain, 2019)

 

 

 

Once an Arsenal and Sevilla star, Antonio’s life ended in a horrifying crash near his hometown. Reports said his Mercedes was going 237 km/h (147 mph) when it veered off the road.

 

 

 

At 35, he was still young, still loved—gone alongside his cousin in a moment of terrible speed.

 

 

 

12. Diego Montiel (Argentina, 2019)

 

 

 

A midfielder for Atlético de Rafaela, Diego was only 23 when his car flipped off the road. The Argentine football community, especially the lower leagues where he shone, was left reeling.

 

 

 

13. Motjeka Madisha (South Africa, 2020)

 

 

 

A star for Mamelodi Sundowns, Motjeka was pulled alive from his burning car but didn’t survive his injuries. South African football hasn’t been the same without him.

 

 

 

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14. Freddy Rincón (Columbia, 2022)

 

 

 

Legendary Colombian midfielder Rincón died in April 2022 after being involved in a car crash in Colombia. His death had a deep impact on the South American football world.

 

 

 

15. Diogo Jota (Portugal, 2025)

 

 

 

The most recent loss, and one of the hardest to bear. At 28, Diogo had just married, his career at Liverpool soaring. Then, on a highway in Spain, his car left the road and burst into flames, taking him and his brother André with it.

 

 

 

Related Topics:NEWS

Up NextBREAKING NEWS LIVE Arsenal have an agreement on personal terms with Eberechi Eze and the player wants the move.

Don’t MissLATEST UPDATES LIVE ‼️Newcastle United Fans Planning Classy Diogo Jota Tribute

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Report: Crystal Palace could look to sign an Arsenal player as part of Eze deal

 

 

FULL POLICE REPORTS Accident Details The brothers were driving a Lamborghini on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, when the car veered off the road and burst into flames after suffering a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle.

 

 

REPORT €100m striker ‘willing to wait’ to join Liverpool and replace Darwin Nunez

 

 

BREAKING NEWS LIVE Statement from Arsenal regarding Thomas Partey being charged today: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”

 

 

BREAKING NEWS LIVE Arsenal have an agreement on personal terms with Eberechi Eze and the player wants the move.

 

 

LATEST UPDATES LIVE ‼️Newcastle United Fans Planning Classy Diogo Jota Tribute

 

Click to comment

TrendingFeatured6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Although we scored in the 6:3 loss to Liverpool but I must confess I have never played against such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in the league before”, Tottenham Star heung min son reveals the ONE Liverpool player that really surprised Him with His performance yesterday – Not Salah and Not DiazFeatured3 months agoTransfer news LIVE! Luis Díaz to Barcelona Arsenal get Nico Williams boost; Liverpool want Leao; Madrid rival Saudi Virgil van Dijk …Featured3 months agoTransfer Centre LIVE! Club news, transfers & gossip: Arsenal | Aston Villa | Bournemouth | Brentford | Brighton | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Fulham | Ipswich | Leicester | Liverpool | Man City | Man Utd | Newcastle | N Forest | Southampton | Spurs | West Ham | WolvesFeatured4 months agoALL THE LATEST SUMMER CONFIRMED TRANSFER SIGNING 2025-26Featured3 months agoHUGE BLOW Why Gabriel Magalhaes has left Brazil squad after double Arsenal injury scareFeatured3 months agoTEN (10) Arsenal players who could leave in January Arsenal may be set for a busier January transfer window than initially thought.LIVERPOOL7 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Mohamed Salah has officially signed ✍️a new three-year contract with Liverpool until June 2footballers who have died in car accident

 

The world of football is often filled with stories of triumph, skill, and passion. However, it also, at times, faces profound tragedy with some footballers losing their lives to tragic car accidents.

 

 

 

The sudden and untimely deaths of players, particularly in devastating car accidents, cast a long shadow over the sport, reminding us of the fragility of life.

 

 

 

These incidents leave fans, teammates, and families heartbroken, often cutting short careers and lives filled with immense promise and achievement.

 

 

 

Here, we remember ten footballers who tragically lost their lives in car accidents:

 

 

 

1. Diogo Jota and André Silva

 

 

 

In a deeply saddening and very recent event, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva (also a footballer) died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. This news has sent shockwaves through the football community, marking a tragic loss for both families and clubs.

 

 

 

2. Jose Antonio Reyes

 

 

 

The former Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Sevilla forward died in a car crash in June 2019 at the age of 35. Reyes was a gifted winger known for his pace and technical ability, and his death was met with widespread grief across European football.

 

 

 

3. Freddy Rincón

 

 

 

The Colombian football legend, known for his powerful presence in midfield for clubs like Real Madrid and Corinthians, passed away in April 2022 after being involved in a car accident. Rincón was a key figure in the golden generation of Colombian football.

 

 

 

4. Juanito (Juan Gómez González)

 

 

 

A true Real Madrid icon, Juanito died in a car crash in April 1992 at the age of 37, after retiring from professional football. He remains one of the club’s most revered figures, remembered for his fiery spirit and dedication.

 

 

 

5. Laurie Cunningham

 

 

 

The groundbreaking English winger, who made history as one of the first black players to represent England at senior level and also played for Real Madrid and Manchester United, died in a car accident in Spain in July 1989. His career was tragically cut short at just 33.

 

 

 

6. Rommel Fernández

 

 

 

The Panamanian striker, who enjoyed a successful career in the Spanish league for clubs like Valencia and Albacete, died in a car crash in May 1993 at the young age of 27. He was a beloved figure in Panamanian football.

 

 

 

7. Georgy Asparuhov

 

 

 

One of Bulgaria’s most legendary footballers and a national hero, Asparuhov died in a car accident in June 1971 at the age of 28, along with his teammate Nikola Kotkov. Their deaths were a profound loss for Bulgarian football.

 

 

 

Related News

 

 

 

Jota: Liverpool to ‘immortalise’ number 20 shirt

 

 

 

5 things to know about Andre Silva, footballer who died in car crash with Jota

 

 

 

Diogo Jota was travelling by car after doctors advised him not to fly

 

 

 

8. Peter Houseman

 

 

 

An English striker known for his time with Chelsea, he died in a car accident in 1977. His passing was a sad moment for the club and its fans.

 

 

 

9. Marino Klinger

 

 

 

A Colombian footballer who played for prominent clubs like Millonarios and Independiente Santa Fe, he died in a drowning accident involving his car in May 1975.

 

 

 

10. Heraldo Bezerra

 

 

 

A Brazilian footballer who had a significant career in Argentina and Spain, notably for Atlético de Madrid, he died in a car accident in 1977.

 

11. Antonio Reyes (Spain, 2019)

 

 

 

Once an Arsenal and Sevilla star, Antonio’s life ended in a horrifying crash near his hometown. Reports said his Mercedes was going 237 km/h (147 mph) when it veered off the road.

 

 

 

At 35, he was still young, still loved—gone alongside his cousin in a moment of terrible speed.

 

 

 

12. Diego Montiel (Argentina, 2019)

 

 

 

A midfielder for Atlético de Rafaela, Diego was only 23 when his car flipped off the road. The Argentine football community, especially the lower leagues where he shone, was left reeling.

 

 

 

13. Motjeka Madisha (South Africa, 2020)

 

 

 

A star for Mamelodi Sundowns, Motjeka was pulled alive from his burning car but didn’t survive his injuries. South African football hasn’t been the same without him.

 

 

 

Advertisement

 

 

 

14. Freddy Rincón (Columbia, 2022)

 

 

 

Legendary Colombian midfielder Rincón died in April 2022 after being involved in a car crash in Colombia. His death had a deep impact on the South American football world.

 

 

 

15. Diogo Jota (Portugal, 2025)

 

 

 

The most recent loss, and one of the hardest to bear. At 28, Diogo had just married, his career at Liverpool soaring. Then, on a highway in Spain, his car left the road and burst into flames, taking him and his brother André with it.

 

 

 

Related Topics:NEWS

Up NextBREAKING NEWS LIVE Arsenal have an agreement on personal terms with Eberechi Eze and the player wants the move.

Don’t MissLATEST UPDATES LIVE ‼️Newcastle United Fans Planning Classy Diogo Jota Tribute

You may like

Report: Crystal Palace could look to sign an Arsenal player as part of Eze deal

 

 

FULL POLICE REPORTS Accident Details The brothers were driving a Lamborghini on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, when the car veered off the road and burst into flames after suffering a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle.

 

 

REPORT €100m striker ‘willing to wait’ to join Liverpool and replace Darwin Nunez

 

 

BREAKING NEWS LIVE Statement from Arsenal regarding Thomas Partey being charged today: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”

 

 

BREAKING NEWS LIVE Arsenal have an agreement on personal terms with Eberechi Eze and the player wants the move.

 

 

LATEST UPDATES LIVE ‼️Newcastle United Fans Planning Classy Diogo Jota Tribute

 

Click to comment

TrendingFeatured6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Although we scored in the 6:3 loss to Liverpool but I must confess I have never played against such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in the league before”, Tottenham Star heung min son reveals the ONE Liverpool player that really surprised Him with His performance yesterday – Not Salah and Not DiazFeatured3 months agoTransfer news LIVE! Luis Díaz to Barcelona Arsenal get Nico Williams boost; Liverpool want Leao; Madrid rival Saudi Virgil van Dijk …Featured3 months agoTransfer Centre LIVE! Club news, transfers & gossip: Arsenal | Aston Villa | Bournemouth | Brentford | Brighton | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Fulham | Ipswich | Leicester | Liverpool | Man City | Man Utd | Newcastle | N Forest | Southampton | Spurs | West Ham | WolvesFeatured4 months agoALL THE LATEST SUMMER CONFIRMED TRANSFER SIGNING 2025-26Featured3 months agoHUGE BLOW Why Gabriel Magalhaes has left Brazil squad after double Arsenal injury scareFeatured3 months agoTEN (10) Arsenal players who could leave in January Arsenal may be set for a busier January transfer window than initially thought.LIVERPOOL7 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Mohamed Salah has officially signed ✍️a new three-year contract with Liverpool until June 2footballers who have died in car accident

 

The world of football is often filled with stories of triumph, skill, and passion. However, it also, at times, faces profound tragedy with some footballers losing their lives to tragic car accidents.

 

 

 

The sudden and untimely deaths of players, particularly in devastating car accidents, cast a long shadow over the sport, reminding us of the fragility of life.

 

 

 

These incidents leave fans, teammates, and families heartbroken, often cutting short careers and lives filled with immense promise and achievement.

 

 

 

Here, we remember ten footballers who tragically lost their lives in car accidents:

 

 

 

1. Diogo Jota and André Silva

 

 

 

In a deeply saddening and very recent event, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva (also a footballer) died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. This news has sent shockwaves through the football community, marking a tragic loss for both families and clubs.

 

 

 

2. Jose Antonio Reyes

 

 

 

The former Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Sevilla forward died in a car crash in June 2019 at the age of 35. Reyes was a gifted winger known for his pace and technical ability, and his death was met with widespread grief across European football.

 

 

 

3. Freddy Rincón

 

 

 

The Colombian football legend, known for his powerful presence in midfield for clubs like Real Madrid and Corinthians, passed away in April 2022 after being involved in a car accident. Rincón was a key figure in the golden generation of Colombian football.

 

 

 

4. Juanito (Juan Gómez González)

 

 

 

A true Real Madrid icon, Juanito died in a car crash in April 1992 at the age of 37, after retiring from professional football. He remains one of the club’s most revered figures, remembered for his fiery spirit and dedication.

 

 

 

5. Laurie Cunningham

 

 

 

The groundbreaking English winger, who made history as one of the first black players to represent England at senior level and also played for Real Madrid and Manchester United, died in a car accident in Spain in July 1989. His career was tragically cut short at just 33.

 

 

 

6. Rommel Fernández

 

 

 

The Panamanian striker, who enjoyed a successful career in the Spanish league for clubs like Valencia and Albacete, died in a car crash in May 1993 at the young age of 27. He was a beloved figure in Panamanian football.

 

 

 

7. Georgy Asparuhov

 

 

 

One of Bulgaria’s most legendary footballers and a national hero, Asparuhov died in a car accident in June 1971 at the age of 28, along with his teammate Nikola Kotkov. Their deaths were a profound loss for Bulgarian football.

 

 

 

Related News

 

 

 

Jota: Liverpool to ‘immortalise’ number 20 shirt

 

 

 

5 things to know about Andre Silva, footballer who died in car crash with Jota

 

 

 

Diogo Jota was travelling by car after doctors advised him not to fly

 

 

 

8. Peter Houseman

 

 

 

An English striker known for his time with Chelsea, he died in a car accident in 1977. His passing was a sad moment for the club and its fans.

 

 

 

9. Marino Klinger

 

 

 

A Colombian footballer who played for prominent clubs like Millonarios and Independiente Santa Fe, he died in a drowning accident involving his car in May 1975.

 

 

 

10. Heraldo Bezerra

 

 

 

A Brazilian footballer who had a significant career in Argentina and Spain, notably for Atlético de Madrid, he died in a car accident in 1977.

 

11. Antonio Reyes (Spain, 2019)

 

 

 

Once an Arsenal and Sevilla star, Antonio’s life ended in a horrifying crash near his hometown. Reports said his Mercedes was going 237 km/h (147 mph) when it veered off the road.

 

 

 

At 35, he was still young, still loved—gone alongside his cousin in a moment of terrible speed.

 

 

 

12. Diego Montiel (Argentina, 2019)

 

 

 

A midfielder for Atlético de Rafaela, Diego was only 23 when his car flipped off the road. The Argentine football community, especially the lower leagues where he shone, was left reeling.

 

 

 

13. Motjeka Madisha (South Africa, 2020)

 

 

 

A star for Mamelodi Sundowns, Motjeka was pulled alive from his burning car but didn’t survive his injuries. South African football hasn’t been the same without him.

 

 

 

Advertisement

 

 

 

14. Freddy Rincón (Columbia, 2022)

 

 

 

Legendary Colombian midfielder Rincón died in April 2022 after being involved in a car crash in Colombia. His death had a deep impact on the South American football world.

 

 

 

15. Diogo Jota (Portugal, 2025)

 

 

 

The most recent loss, and one of the hardest to bear. At 28, Diogo had just married, his career at Liverpool soaring. Then, on a highway in Spain, his car left the road and burst into flames, taking him and his brother André with it.