In a surprising and heartfelt gesture, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has reportedly donated a fleet of Tesla vehicles to Liverpool Football Club in the wake of the tragic death of star forward Diogo Jota. The donation comes with a bold statement from Musk, who allegedly claimed that the Lamborghini involved in Jota’s fatal crash was “too far behind in technology” compared to Tesla’s advanced electric vehicles.
A Tragic Loss Shakes the Football World
Diogo Jota, a beloved Liverpool FC and Portugal national team player, died alongside his brother André Silva in a devastating car crash on July 3, 2025, in northwestern Spain. The accident occurred when their Lamborghini Huracán suffered a tire blowout while overtaking on the A-52 highway near Zamora, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and burst into flames. Jota, aged 28, had recently married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso and was a father of three, leaving the football community and fans worldwide in mourning.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, coaches, and fans, with Liverpool FC stating they are “devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota” and requesting privacy for his family. Former manager Jürgen Klopp called Jota “a great friend” and a “loving husband and father,” while Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described the loss as “unexpected and tragic.”
Musk’s Donation and Controversial Statement
In response to the tragedy, Musk reportedly reached out to Liverpool FC with an offer to donate a fleet of Tesla Model S and Model Y vehicles to the club for use by players and staff. Sources close to the club claim the donation is intended to provide safer, more technologically advanced transportation, emphasizing Tesla’s Autopilot and safety features like collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking.
Musk, known for his provocative statements, allegedly remarked that the Lamborghini Huracán, valued at £180,000, was “too far behind in technology” to ensure the safety of its occupants. “Tesla’s vehicles are built with cutting-edge safety systems that could prevent tragedies like this,” Musk is said to have stated. “Lamborghini’s reliance on outdated combustion engines and lack of advanced driver-assistance systems is a disservice to drivers in 2025.”
The statement has sparked debate online, with some praising Musk’s generosity and others criticizing the timing of his comments, especially given the sensitivity of Jota’s passing. Social media reactions have been mixed, with one user posting on X, “Musk’s heart is in the right place, but slamming Lamborghini now feels off,” while another wrote, “Tesla’s tech could save lives—good on Elon for stepping up.”
A Gesture of Support or a Marketing Move?
The donation, if confirmed, would align with Musk’s history of high-profile philanthropy, often tied to promoting Tesla’s mission of sustainable transportation. Liverpool FC has not officially confirmed the donation, but insiders suggest the club is considering accepting the vehicles as part of their commitment to player safety and environmental responsibility. The move could also serve as a publicity win for Tesla, which has faced scrutiny over its sales performance in 2025 amid Musk’s public feuds, including with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Critics, however, question whether Musk’s gesture is a genuine act of support or a calculated jab at competitors like Lamborghini. The Italian automaker has yet to respond to Musk’s alleged comments, but automotive experts note that Lamborghini’s focus on performance and luxury differs from Tesla’s emphasis on electric power and autonomous driving technology.
Liverpool FC’s Response and the Road Ahead
As Liverpool FC prepares for pre-season training, the club is grappling with the immense loss of Jota, a key player in their 2024-25 Premier League-winning campaign. Fans have gathered at Anfield Stadium, leaving flowers, scarves, and tributes, while a minute’s silence was observed at Portugal’s Women’s Euro qualifier against Spain.
Musk’s reported donation could mark a new chapter in how sports organizations approach player safety and transportation. Whether the Tesla vehicles will replace the high-performance supercars favored by many athletes remains to be seen, but the gesture has sparked a broader conversation about the role of technology in preventing such tragedies.
Note: This article is a speculative piece based on the provided headline and does not reflect verified developments. No official confirmation of Tesla donations or Musk’s statements about Lamborghini has been found. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
