5 Tragic Football Deaths That Shook the World

The footballing world mourns the shocking passing of Diogo Jota and remembers other unforgettable losses in the sport’s history

Learning about the death of Jota came as a real shock to everyone, and it’s a pain that will take a long time to heal. Sadly, football has witnessed a few other deaths that left the global community devastated. In this article, we remember five tragic football deaths that shook the world.

1. Diogo Jota (1996–2025)

It was reported that the 28-year-old forward, who last played for Liverpool FC, died in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, in a car accident while driving on the A52 motorway that connects Portugal and Spain. His brother was also in the car, and sadly, neither of them survived.

According to the Spanish Civil Guard, Jota was driving his Lamborghini Aventador and tried to overtake another vehicle when his tires exploded. The car veered off the road and burst into flames.

Just 10 days prior, Jota had married his longtime partner Rut Cardoso, making the tragedy all the more devastating. Known for his joyful nature and professionalism, Jota’s death has left millions of fans in shock. From his early days at Paços de Ferreira, to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and eventually Liverpool, Jota’s career was one of consistent excellence and respect.

2. Andrés Escobar (1967–1994)

One of the most tragic stories in football history. Escobar, who played for Atlético Nacional and the Colombian national team, scored an own goal during the 1994 FIFA World Cup against the United States. Colombia were eliminated, and upon returning home to Medellín, Escobar was ambushed and fatally shot six times outside a nightclub.

The murder shocked the world. The shooter reportedly yelled “¡Gol!” with each shot, mimicking the commentator’s call of Escobar’s own goal. A statue of Escobar now stands in Medellín, a sobering reminder of the cruel intersection between sports, violence, and organized crime.

3. Emiliano Sala (1990–2019)

A move full of hope turned into heartbreak. Sala had just completed a transfer from FC Nantes to Cardiff City in January 2019. After visiting Nantes to say goodbye to his former teammates, Sala boarded a small aircraft back to Wales.

The plane disappeared over the English Channel. Weeks later, his body was recovered, but not that of the pilot. Sala’s final voice message to his friends, in which he said he feared the plane might crash, was haunting and emotional.

4. The Munich Air Disaster – Manchester United (1958)

On February 6, 1958, a plane carrying the Manchester United team—nicknamed the Busby Babes—crashed during takeoff in Munich following a refueling stop after a European Cup match in Belgrade. The third takeoff attempt proved fatal, killing 23 people, including 8 players, journalists, and club officials.

Survivors included then-manager Matt Busby and a young Bobby Charlton, who remained a pillar of the club until his death in 2023. The tragedy reshaped the identity and resilience of Manchester United.

5. Chapecoense Plane Crash (2016)

Brazilian side Chapecoense were en route to Medellín for the final of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana when their plane crashed due to fuel exhaustion. Out of 77 people on board, 71 died, including nearly the entire playing squad and coaching staff.

The entire football world united in mourning. Opponents Atlético Nacional requested that the title be awarded to Chapecoense posthumously, a gesture that was granted by CONMEBOL. The 28th of November is now remembered as a dark day in South American football history.

Honorable Mentions: Football Icons Lost

While not as sudden, the deaths of legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona still reverberated across the sport. Their contributions to the beautiful game were immense and their legacies eternal.

These moments remind us how fragile life is—even for heroes we see on our screens every week. Which footballer’s death hit you the hardest? Let us know in the comments and share your thoughts—this is a safe space to express your feelings.