REVEALED: Diogo Jota's Wife Demands Investigation Reopen After Witness Insists Her Husband Wasn't Speeding — and Reveals Unexpected Screenshot
The tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025, has taken a dramatic new turn. Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, is demanding that Spanish authorities reopen the investigation into the crash, citing a lorry driver’s testimony that disputes the police’s claim of excessive speed. Adding fuel to the controversy, Cardoso has revealed a screenshot from the lorry driver’s video, which she claims supports his account and raises questions about the official narrative. This development has intensified scrutiny of the investigation, prompting calls for transparency and accountability in the wake of one of football’s most heartbreaking tragedies.
The Tragic Crash
The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. Diogo Jota, the 28-year-old Portuguese forward for Liverpool FC, and his 25-year-old brother André Silva, a professional footballer for Penafiel, were killed when their Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder veered off the road and burst into flames. The Spanish Guardia Civil initially attributed the crash to a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver, with preliminary reports suggesting that Jota, believed to be driving, was exceeding the 120 km/h (75 mph) speed limit. Tyre marks extending 100 meters from the impact site were cited as evidence of high speed.
The crash occurred as the brothers were traveling from Porto to Santander to catch a ferry to England, as Jota had been advised against flying due to recent lung surgery. The tragedy, coming just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, left the football world in mourning, with tributes from fans, teammates, and figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Jürgen Klopp.
The Lorry Driver’s Testimony
Jose Azevedo, a Portuguese lorry driver who frequently travels the A-52, was among the first at the scene and filmed the burning wreckage. In a video shared with Portuguese media and posted on X, Azevedo insisted that Jota’s Lamborghini was not speeding. “I drive this road Monday through Saturday, and I know it’s a terrible place. It’s a dark road. I saw the car before it crashed, and it wasn’t going fast,” he said. Azevedo also claimed that police at the scene instructed him not to share his observations or footage, warning him to “keep quiet.” Defiant, he released the video, which shows his lorry’s tachograph displaying his name and a cracked windscreen, corroborating his presence at the scene.
Azevedo’s footage, described as “rambling” by some outlets, captures the fiery aftermath of the crash, with debris scattered along the road and flames spreading to nearby vegetation. He stated, “I stopped, grabbed the fire extinguisher, and tried to help, but there was nothing I could do. The impact was too severe.” Crucially, he emphasized, “They passed me super calmly, without speeding.” His testimony has gained significant traction, with millions of views on X and widespread support from fans who question the police’s focus on speed.
Rute Cardoso’s Demand and the Unexpected Screenshot
Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow and mother of their three young children, has publicly called for the investigation to be reopened. In a statement shared on social media, she expressed grief and frustration, arguing that Azevedo’s account and video evidence cast doubt on the police’s conclusion. “My husband was not reckless. I know Diogo, and I trust the witness who saw what happened. The truth matters for him, for André, and for our family,” she wrote. Cardoso’s demand has been amplified by fans and media, with many urging authorities to reconsider the evidence.
Adding a new dimension to the case, Cardoso revealed a screenshot from Azevedo’s video that she claims supports his testimony. The screenshot, reportedly showing the Lamborghini before the crash, captures the vehicle at a distance, moving at what appears to be a moderate speed. While the image is grainy and lacks clear context, Cardoso argues that it aligns with Azevedo’s claim that Jota was not speeding. The screenshot has sparked debate on X, with users analyzing its details and speculating about its implications. Some have suggested it could indicate road conditions or another vehicle’s involvement, though no evidence supports the latter.
Police Response and Investigation Challenges
The Spanish Guardia Civil has maintained that its preliminary findings, based on tyre marks and forensic analysis, indicate that Jota was driving and likely speeding. A spokesperson stated, “All tests carried out so far point to the driver being Diogo Jota, with evidence suggesting the vehicle exceeded the speed limit.” The investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected to be submitted to a court in Puebla de Sanabria. The police have not directly addressed Azevedo’s claim of being told to stay silent, but they emphasized that their conclusions rely on objective evidence, including traffic camera footage and vehicle data.
The A-52 motorway’s notorious conditions—potholes, poor visibility, and frequent fog—have been cited as potential factors. A separate accident on the same road hours earlier injured a 60-year-old woman, highlighting its dangers. Road safety experts have suggested that a tyre blowout, combined with the road’s condition, could have caused the crash regardless of speed. However, the police’s focus on speed and their alleged instruction to Azevedo have raised concerns about transparency.
Public and Football Community Reaction
The controversy has ignited a firestorm on X, with fans and commentators divided. Supporters of Azevedo and Cardoso argue that the police may have prematurely blamed Jota to deflect attention from systemic issues like road maintenance. “Why silence a witness? The A-52 is a death trap—fix it instead of blaming Diogo,” one user posted. Others defend the police, noting that tyre marks and vehicle damage suggest high speed, and eyewitness accounts can be unreliable. “Azevedo means well, but he’s not an investigator. Let the data speak,” another user wrote.
The football community continues to grieve, with Liverpool players like Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and Alexis Mac Allister attending the brothers’ funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, on July 5. Tributes at Anfield, including flowers and a placard reading “Diogo lives forever,” reflect Jota’s profound impact. His 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and 14 goals in 49 caps for Portugal cemented his legacy as a beloved figure.
Implications for Transparency and Road Safety
Cardoso’s demand and Azevedo’s testimony highlight broader issues in accident investigations. Allegations of police suppressing a witness’s account, if substantiated, could undermine public trust. The screenshot, while compelling to some, lacks the clarity needed to definitively challenge forensic evidence. Experts like Dr. Javier Lopez Delgado emphasize the need for a comprehensive investigation, noting that road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and tyre quality could be as critical as speed. “Blaming the driver is easy, but the A-52’s history of accidents demands scrutiny,” he said.
The case also underscores the power of social media in shaping narratives. Azevedo’s video and Cardoso’s screenshot have fueled public pressure, but they risk spreading speculation without conclusive evidence. The Guardia Civil’s final report, expected within days, will be critical in addressing these concerns and clarifying the crash’s cause.
Moving Forward
Rute Cardoso’s call to reopen the investigation reflects a family’s search for truth amid unimaginable loss. The screenshot, while intriguing, remains a piece of a larger puzzle that includes forensic data and road analysis. As the football world honors Jota and Silva, the demand for transparency grows, with fans and family alike hoping for answers that respect their legacy. The Guardia Civil’s response to Cardoso’s request and Azevedo’s allegations will shape the investigation’s credibility and the public’s trust in its findings.