Description
Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, commonly known as Diogo Jota, was a Portuguese professional footballer who played as a forward or winger. He was known for his finishing, pace, dribbling ability and work rate. Jota started his career with Paços de Ferreira, before signing for La Liga club Atlético Madrid in 2016.
|
League |
Games played |
Goals |
|---|---|---|
|
Premier League 2024-25 |
26 |
6 |
|
EFL Cup 2024-25 |
5 |
2 |
|
UEFA Champions League 2024-25 |
4 |
0 |
|
Europa League 2023-24 |
5 |
3 |
Diogo Jota, born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva on 4 December 1996, was a prominent Portuguese forward who tragically died at age 28 in a car accident in Spain on 3 July 2025, along with his brother André Silva
Career Journey
- Early Career: Began at Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2016; loan spells followed at FC Porto and Wolves
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017–2020): Played a key role in their Championship promotion and Premier League campaigns .
- Liverpool FC (2020–2025): Joined for £41 million. Over 182 appearances, he netted 65 goals, helping secure multiple trophies, including the EFL Cups (2022, 2024), FA Cup (2022), and the Premier League (2025)
- Portugal National Team: Debuted November 2019. Contributed in UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025, also part of squads at Euro 2020 and 2024
In 2022, he was recognized as CNID Best Portuguese Athlete Abroad, marking his international impact
The Tragic Accident
On 3 July 2025, Jota and his brother André were driving a Lamborghini in the province of Zamora, Spain, heading to catch a ferry back to the UK—Jota had recently undergone lung surgery and was advised against flying A tyre reportedly blew during an overtaking maneuver, causing the car to veer off-road and erupt into flames—both brothers died instantly Tributes & Mourning
- Liverpool FC: Postponed pre-season training; manager Arne Slot expressed deep sorrow, calling it an “unimaginable loss”
- Jürgen Klopp: Described Jota as a close friend, not just a player, lamenting the tragic moment .
- Cristiano Ronaldo: “It doesn’t make sense… Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you.”
- Mo Salah & Virgil van Dijk: Emotional tributes, emphasizing Jota’s legacy and the impact on the team
- Wimbledon: Broke its traditional all-white dress code to permit black armbands in his honour
Public vigils were held at Anfield and in his hometown, Gondomar, ahead of a funeral and public wake
Legacy & Personal Life
- Playing Style: Celebrated for his pace, clinical finishing, high football IQ, and versatility
- Family: Married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, on 22 June 2025, just 11 days before the accident. They had three children: sons Dinis, Duarte, and daughter Leonor
- Name Facts: Born Silva; “Jota” (Portuguese for the letter “J”) became his nickname in youth football
In Summary
Diogo Jota‘s journey from local clubs to Liverpool and the Portugal national team was marked by skill, passion, and a generous spirit. His untimely passing is a profound loss to football worldwide. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, a young family, and a community in mourning.