The world of football was plunged into mourning on July 3, 2025, following the tragic death of Portuguese international Diogo Jota. A dynamic forward known for his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and relentless work ethic, Jota’s sudden passing in a car crash in Spain, alongside his brother, André Silva—has left an irreplaceable void in global football. He was just 28.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, professionally known as Diogo Jota, was born on December 4, 1996, in Massarelos, Porto District, Portugal. From a young age, his passion for football was evident. He began playing for local side Gondomar SC, where he honed his skills and stood out for his flair, vision, and composure in front of goal.
In 2013, he moved to Paços de Ferreira’s youth academy. Within a year, he had progressed through the ranks and was promoted to the senior team, a testament to his exceptional talent and maturity.
Professional Club Career
Paços de Ferreira (2014–2016)
Jota made his senior debut for Paços de Ferreira in the Primeira Liga on October 19, 2014, at just 17 years old. He scored his first professional goals on May 17, 2015, netting a brace in a 3–2 victory against Académica de Coimbra. His performances earned him a reputation as one of Portugal’s brightest young prospects.
Atlético Madrid and Loan to FC Porto (2016–2017)
In March 2016, Spanish giants Atlético Madrid signed Jota, though he was immediately loaned to FC Porto for the 2016–17 season. While at Porto, he made an instant impact, most memorably scoring a first-half hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Nacional on September 1, 2016. He ended the season with 9 goals in 38 appearances.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017–2020)
Jota joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan in July 2017, reuniting with former Porto coach Nuno Espírito Santo. He played a crucial role in Wolves’ 2017–18 Championship-winning campaign, scoring 17 goals and helping them secure promotion to the Premier League. His move was made permanent in 2018, and he went on to score 44 goals in 131 appearances in all competitions, becoming a fan favorite at Molineux.
Liverpool FC (2020–2025)
In September 2020, Jota completed a £41 million transfer to Liverpool FC, becoming one of the most impactful signings under manager Jürgen Klopp. He scored a debut goal against Arsenal and continued to be a decisive player in both domestic and European competitions.
In the 2024–25 season, he played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s return to Premier League glory, contributing crucial goals during their title-winning campaign. Known for his versatility across the front line, he was admired for his pressing intensity, aerial ability, and knack for scoring in big games.
International Career with Portugal
Jota’s journey with the national team began at youth level, where he represented Portugal in the U-19, U-21, and U-23 categories. He scored his first goal for the U-19s on May 29, 2015, and was instrumental in several youth tournaments.
He made his senior debut on November 14, 2019, in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Lithuania. He was part of the squad for Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and Euro 2024, contributing both goals and assists throughout the tournaments.
Major Honours with Portugal:
- UEFA Nations League Winner: 2019, 2025
- 30 caps and 13 goals (as of June 2025)
Awards and Achievements
- Premier League Player of the Month: January 2024
- Liverpool Player of the Month: October 2020
- FIFA eSports Leaderboard: Ranked World No. 1 on FIFA 21 in February 2021
- PFA Fans’ Player of the Month (multiple occasions)
- Scored over 100 career goals across club and country
Personal Life
Diogo Jota was not only a phenomenal footballer but also a family-oriented man. His younger brother, André Silva, was also a footballer, playing as a midfielder for Portuguese side Penafiel. The siblings were extremely close, often seen supporting each other’s games.
Jota married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, in a private ceremony attended by friends, family, and fellow footballers. The couple had three children together.
A passionate gamer, Jota was known for his love of FIFA, often streaming on Twitch under his gamer tag “DiogoJota18.” He founded his own eSports team, Luna Galaxy, which competed in professional gaming tournaments. He frequently balanced his football and gaming lives with ease, endearing himself to fans of both sports and gaming communities.
Tragic Death and Tributes
On July 3, 2025, Diogo Jota and his brother André were killed in a car crash near Palacios de Sanabria, in the province of Zamora, northwest Spain. According to local reports, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed in the early hours of the morning. Emergency services responded swiftly, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The news sent shockwaves through the football world. Liverpool FC, the Portuguese Football Federation, Premier League clubs, players, and fans around the globe paid heartfelt tributes. A minute’s silence was held across stadiums in Europe. FIFA and UEFA expressed condolences, and Liverpool’s next match was postponed in respect of the tragedy.
Legacy
Diogo Jota’s legacy extends beyond his goals and trophies. He symbolized the modern footballer: talented, hardworking, humble, and connected to fans both on and off the pitch. He inspired young players with his rise from local Portuguese clubs to the Premier League’s grandest stages.
His contributions to Liverpool and Portugal will not be forgotten. Murals, tribute matches, and scholarship funds have already been proposed in his name.
Jota’s career was tragically cut short, but his impact on football will echo for generations.
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