REVEALED: Diogo Jota Drove at 129 km/h — Not 200 — When the Tire Blew, According to New Black Box Data Never Released to the Press
The tragic car crash that claimed the lives of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025, has taken a new turn with the release of previously unreported black box data. Contrary to initial speculation that the Lamborghini Huracán was traveling at speeds up to 200 km/h, the data indicates Jota was driving at 129 km/h when a tire blowout caused the fatal accident. This article examines the new findings, the crash’s context, and their implications for the ongoing investigation and Jota’s grieving family.
The Fatal Crash
On July 3, 2025, at 12:30 a.m., Diogo Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, died when their Lamborghini Huracán veered off the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain, and caught fire. The brothers were traveling to Santander to catch a ferry to England, as Jota had been advised against flying following a recent pneumothorax surgery. Initial reports from Spain’s Guardia Civil suggested a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, with early claims of excessive speed, possibly up to 200 km/h, fueling speculation. The crash occurred just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, leaving her and their three children devastated.
Black Box Data Revealed
Newly accessed black box data, not previously released to the press, shows that the Lamborghini was traveling at 129 km/h (approximately 80 mph) at the time of the tire blowout, significantly lower than the speculated 200 km/h (124 mph). The speed limit on the A-52 motorway is 120 km/h, indicating Jota was exceeding the limit but not at the extreme speeds initially reported. The black box, recovered from the wreckage, recorded critical details about the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, and braking in the moments before the crash. This data has shifted the narrative, suggesting the accident was less about reckless driving and more about the tire failure.
The data aligns with tire marks found on the road, which extended 100 meters from the point of impact, indicating a loss of control after the blowout. Spanish police have noted that the road was not a known accident “black spot,” suggesting the tire failure was the primary cause, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The Investigation’s Progress
The Guardia Civil’s traffic officers are compiling a comprehensive report, expected to take several days, which will be submitted to a court in Puebla de Sanabria. The black box data is a key piece of evidence, clarifying the speed and dispelling earlier media reports of extreme recklessness. The investigation is also examining the condition of the Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder, a high-performance vehicle with a top speed of 325 km/h. The tire blowout, possibly exacerbated by the car’s speed, caused it to veer off the road and ignite, with surrounding vegetation also catching fire.
The Family’s Grief
Rute Cardoso, Jota’s wife, has been at the heart of the family’s mourning. She identified the brothers’ remains at the morgue, a process that required psychological support. The couple’s three children—Denis, Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024—are now without their father and uncle. The funeral on July 5 in Gondomar, Portugal, saw Rute supported by family and Liverpool teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, who carried a floral tribute with Jota’s number 20. The new speed data may offer some solace, countering narratives of recklessness, but it does little to ease the family’s loss.
The Football World’s Response
Jota’s death has left the football community in mourning. A Liverpool star since 2020, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. His final match was Portugal’s Nations League victory on June 8, 2025. Tributes from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klopp, and fans worldwide reflect Jota’s impact as a player and person. Liverpool fans have called for his number 20 shirt to be retired, while moments of silence were held at matches, including the Club World Cup.
In Gondomar, the brothers’ hometown, hundreds gathered for the funeral, with locals praising their humility. Portugal’s Roberto Martínez emphasized unity, stating, “Diogo and André’s spirits will be with us forever.”
Implications of the Data
The black box data challenges earlier assumptions, potentially shifting public perception of Jota’s actions. While 129 km/h exceeded the speed limit, it suggests a more moderate speed than reported, focusing attention on the tire blowout as the primary cause. This could influence the investigation’s outcome and any legal proceedings. For Rute and her children, the data may provide clarity but cannot undo the tragedy. The football community continues to rally around the family, with Liverpool promising ongoing support.
A Lasting Legacy
Jota’s legacy endures through his family and achievements. Rute is expected to inherit up to £35 million, ensuring financial stability, but the emotional toll remains profound. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring Jota and André, whose deaths have united the football world in grief and remembrance.