In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the global football community, the parents of late Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva have publicly demanded a DNA test to confirm the identities of the bodies recovered from the fatal car crash that claimed their lives. Joaquim and Isabel Silva, who have remained largely silent since the tragic accident on July 3, 2025, in Zamora, Spain, issued an emotional statement today, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding their sons’ deaths and the identification process that followed.

The announcement comes just two weeks after the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, in a car accident that stunned the football world. The brothers, both professional footballers, perished when their Lamborghini Huracan veered off the A-52 motorway and burst into flames, reportedly due to a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The tragedy, which occurred just 11 days after Diogo’s wedding to his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, has left their family, teammates, and fans grappling with grief. Now, the parents’ unexpected demand for a DNA test has sparked speculation and intrigue, casting a shadow over the official narrative.

A Family’s Grief Turns to Doubt

In a press conference held in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto, Joaquim and Isabel Silva, flanked by their legal counsel, spoke publicly for the first time since the funeral. The couple, visibly shaken but resolute, expressed their anguish over the loss of both sons and raised concerns about the investigation into the crash. “We are parents who have lost everything,” Joaquim said, his voice trembling. “But we cannot rest until we are certain that the bodies we buried are truly our boys. We owe it to Diogo and André to seek the truth.”

The Silvas’ decision to demand a DNA test stems from what they describe as inconsistencies in the identification process. According to Spanish authorities, the bodies were severely damaged in the fire that engulfed the vehicle, making visual identification impossible. Instead, officials relied on documents found at the crash site, including a license plate matching the Lamborghini registered to Diogo Jota. However, the Silvas claim they were not given sufficient access to the identification process and were not provided with detailed forensic reports.

“We were told it was them because of a license plate and some documents,” Isabel Silva said, tears streaming down her face. “But how can we be sure? The car was burned beyond recognition. We need scientific proof—DNA proof—that these were our sons. Until then, we cannot find peace.”

The family’s legal team, led by prominent Portuguese attorney Dr. Mariana Costa, emphasized that the request is not an accusation of foul play but a necessary step to ensure closure. “The Silva family is not suggesting a conspiracy,” Dr. Costa clarified. “They are simply asking for transparency and certainty in a process that has been opaque and rushed. The intensity of the fire and the condition of the remains raise legitimate questions that only a DNA test can answer.”

The Crash: Questions and Controversies

The accident that claimed the lives of Diogo Jota and André Silva occurred in the early hours of July 3, 2025, on a remote stretch of the A-52 motorway in northwestern Spain. According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the Lamborghini Huracan, driven by Diogo, was traveling at a speed exceeding the 120 km/h (75 mph) limit when a tire blowout caused the vehicle to veer off the road and crash. The car subsequently caught fire, and both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The brothers were reportedly en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, as Diogo had been advised against flying following recent lung surgery.

While the official report points to a tragic accident, the Silvas’ statement has reignited public interest in the case. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with speculation, with some users questioning whether the crash was truly accidental. Posts on X have highlighted the timing of the accident—just days after Diogo’s high-profile wedding and Liverpool’s Premier League triumph—as well as the lack of clarity about why the brothers were traveling together in Spain. Others have pointed to the intensity of the fire, which destroyed much of the evidence, as a potential cover for deeper issues.

Adding fuel to the speculation, a local Spanish news outlet reported unverified claims that the tire blowout may have been caused by tampering, though no evidence has been presented to support this theory. The Silvas have not endorsed these claims but stated that they “cannot ignore the questions” raised by their community and supporters. “We are not saying there was foul play,” Joaquim said. “But we need to know everything. We need to know why our sons were taken from us.”

The Football World Reacts

The Silvas’ announcement has sent shockwaves through the football community, which is still reeling from the loss of one of its brightest stars. Diogo Jota, a key figure in Liverpool’s 2025 Premier League title win and Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory, was celebrated for his skill, humility, and dedication. André Silva, a rising star at FC Penafiel, was equally admired in Portugal’s lower divisions. Tributes from teammates, fans, and global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James poured in after the tragedy, with Liverpool retiring Jota’s No. 20 jersey in his honor.

The demand for a DNA test has elicited mixed reactions. Some former teammates, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, have expressed support for the family’s quest for clarity. “If this is what they need to find peace, we stand with them,” van Dijk said in a brief statement. Others, however, have urged caution, warning that the request could fuel unfounded conspiracy theories. Portugal’s national team coach, Roberto Martínez, called for respect for the family’s privacy, stating, “This is a time for healing, not speculation. Let us honor Diogo and André by supporting their loved ones.”

Rute Cardoso, Diogo’s widow and mother of their three young children, has not commented publicly on the DNA test demand. Sources close to the family say she is devastated by the ongoing uncertainty and is focusing on caring for her children, aged 4, 2, and 1. The Silvas have emphasized that their request is not intended to cause further pain but to ensure that no questions remain unanswered.

The Investigation and Next Steps

Spanish authorities have confirmed that the bodies of the crash victims are still at the Zamora Institute of Forensic Medicine, where autopsies were conducted. Ángel Blanco, the Spanish government’s sub-delegate in Zamora, stated that DNA tests were already planned as part of the identification process, but results could take several days due to the complexity of the case. “The fire made identification challenging,” Blanco said. “We are committed to providing the family with the answers they seek.”

The Silvas’ legal team has formally requested that independent forensic experts be allowed to oversee the DNA testing to ensure impartiality. They have also called for a full investigation into the crash, including an examination of the vehicle’s remains and the road conditions at the time of the accident. Dr. Costa noted that the family has been in contact with Portuguese authorities, who are coordinating with their Spanish counterparts to expedite the process.

A Community in Mourning

In Gondomar, where Diogo and André grew up, the mood remains somber. The brothers were local heroes, having started their football careers at Gondomar SC before rising to prominence. The Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, where their funeral was held on July 5, has become a site of pilgrimage for fans, who continue to leave flowers, scarves, and messages of condolence. A local resident, Fábio Silva, told reporters, “Diogo and André were our pride. We support their parents because we want the truth, just like they do.”

As the football world awaits the results of the DNA tests, the Silvas’ plea has underscored the profound pain of losing two sons in such tragic circumstances. Their demand for clarity, while controversial, reflects a universal desire for closure in the face of unimaginable loss. For now, Joaquim and Isabel Silva are holding onto hope that the truth will bring them peace, even as they navigate a grief that no parent should endure.

The football community, from Liverpool to Porto, watches with bated breath, united in sorrow and solidarity with a family searching for answers.