Liverpool and the wider football world are in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Portuguese international Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car accident in northern Spain on Thursday at the age of 28.
Jota and his younger brother, Andre, died when their vehicle veered off a motorway and burst into flames. The devastating news has left Liverpool fans, teammates, and the football community reeling.
A product of the Paços de Ferreira academy near Porto, Jota rose to prominence in England, building a reputation as a dynamic and intelligent forward. Though initially signed by Atlético Madrid in 2016, he never featured for the Spanish side, instead joining Wolves via Porto in a move tied to super-agent Jorge Mendes. At Wolves, his goals helped the club rise from the Championship to the Europa League quarter-finals in just three seasons.
In 2020, Liverpool signed Jota for £45 million ($62 million), even amid the financial uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. His impact was immediate—he became the first player in Liverpool history to score in each of his first four home appearances.
“Exceptional player, exceptional boy,” then-manager Jürgen Klopp said during Jota’s early days at Anfield. “He has everything a Liverpool player needs.”
Once fans returned to stadiums, Jota’s cult status was sealed with a chant proclaiming him “better than Figo,” a nod to Portuguese legend Luís Figo. Jota went on to play a key role in Liverpool’s domestic double in the 2021/22 season, helping them lift the FA Cup and League Cup, and nearly achieving a historic quadruple.
In total, Jota made 182 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals. His final strike came in the Merseyside derby win over Everton in April—an emotional moment that brought Liverpool closer to a record-equaling 20th English title.
Jota’s last appearance in Liverpool colors was during the club’s victory parade through the city. Tragically, that celebration was marred by a car incident that injured over 100 people—an eerie parallel to the shock of his passing just weeks later.
Tributes have since poured in. Fans have gathered at Anfield, laying scarves, shirts, and flowers near the Hillsborough memorial. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s teammate with Portugal, expressed disbelief at the news, writing, “It makes no sense. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Just weeks before his death, Jota was celebrating a Nations League triumph with Portugal and had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, the mother of their three children.
“Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person—respected by teammates and opponents alike. He brought joy to all around him and was a pillar in his community,” said Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
Off the pitch, Jota was passionate about gaming and founded his own esports team, Luna Esports. During the pandemic, he even won a FIFA tournament against fellow Premier League players, defeating Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final.
Liverpool Football Club described Jota’s death as an “unimaginable loss”—not just of a beloved player, but of a husband, a father, and a cherished part of the Liverpool family.
