Diogo Jota won it all with Liverpool but he was not only a highly gifted footballer – he was also one of the good guys
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DIOGO JOTA won every major honour in English football with Liverpool before a car crash cruelly cut short his life.
But the pain of Jota's death will also be felt particularly hard at Wolves, where he played a key role in the club's transformation, as well as in his native Portugal.
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Diogo Jota tragically died alongside his brother in a car crash in Spain
Credit: Rex
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Jota married long-term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22
Credit: fk.felippekatia
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Jota and Rute have three young children
Credit: fk.felippekatia
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Jota's brother Andre, pictured together in their younger days at Porto, also died in the crash
Credit: FC Porto
The versatile forward was part of the squad that won a second Nations League title last month.
And in the last fortnight, Jota had married long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
They were heartbreakingly pictured with their two sons, Dinis and Duarte, and baby daughter, whose name is unknown, at the wedding.
Jota's sudden death at the age of 28, along with brother and fellow footballer Andre in an horrific accident, is heartbreaking.
Because Jota was not only a highly gifted footballer, he was also one of the good guys.
An intelligent, thoughtful man, who spoke English better than some natives and who dedicated himself to his career and family.
By helping Liverpool win the Premier League title last season, Jota completed the full set of domestic trophies after the Reds lifted the FA Cup and League Cup in 2021/22.
Although injury and competition for places restricted Jota's contribution, he still scored key goals as Arne Slot's side claimed a record-equalling 20th English championship.
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What turned out to be the last of his 65 strikes for the Reds was the only goal in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in February.
It was typical Jota. While Everton defenders hesitated, the small but strong Portuguese forward bustled on to the ball, beat two men and buried the ball in the net.
Jota had bumps in the road before reaching the top of the game with Liverpool and Portugal.
After making his debut for Pacos de Ferreira at the age of 17, he moved to Atletico Madrid at 19.
But he soon went on loan to Porto, where he did well enough to attract the attention of ambitious Wolves, who were then in the Championship.
In his first season in England, he scored 17 league goals to fire the club back into the Premier League as champions.
Jota was a popular member of the dressing room which featured a strong Portuguese contingent.
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Jota won the Premier League with Liverpool last season
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Jota also recently won the Uefa Nations League with Portugal
Credit: Getty
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Team-mates and fans have been left devastated by the news
Credit: PA
He held his own in the top flight, but there was some surprise when Liverpool signed him in a deal worth up to £45m.
Yet in his five seasons at Anfield, he played an important role in the Reds' potent front four as the club claimed English honours and went close to European glory.
Jota scored 21 times as Jurgen Klopp's side hunted down a Quadruple in 2021/22, winning the domestic cups, taking the title race to the final day and losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid.
His total of 65 goals in 182 appearances does not tell the full story of his contribution on and off the field. After coming close more than once, it was special for Jota finally to lift the Premier League trophy in May.
Jota was not only a highly gifted footballer, he was also one of the good guys. An intelligent, thoughtful man, who spoke English better than some natives and who dedicated himself to his career and family.
For Portugal, Jota was part of a generation that delivered glory.
He was uncapped when selected in the squad for the Nations League final stages on home soil in 2019 and did not feature, making his debut later in the year.
Jota would go on to score 14 in 49 appearances for his country. His last was as an extra-time substitute in last month's Nations League final against Spain, which Portugal won on penalties.
That triumph was part of what was surely the best year of Jota's life.
For it to have ended, in such terrible circumstances, is incomprehensible.
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Jota's heartbreaking final post before the accident that took his life was a scene from his wedding
Credit: fk.felippekatia
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The Independent
18 minutes ago
- The Independent
Mourners to gather in Portugal for wake of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota
Mourners are set to gather to honour Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, a local parish priest has said. Jota and his younger brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday morning. Less than two weeks ago Jota, who was 28, married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. The couple have three children together. Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am. According to BBC Sport, Jota was returning for pre-season training next week via ferry after being advised not to fly following minor surgery. Liverpool's 'heartbroken' players have spoken of their pain in paying tribute to their team-mate. Reds captain Virgil van Dijk said on Instagram he was 'absolutely devastated and in total disbelief.' The Dutch defender wrote in a post alongside a picture of Jota with the Premier League trophy: 'What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. 'You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. 'My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. 'A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. 'We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre.' Andy Robertson, one of the players with the longest association with Jota, also paid an emotional tribute. 'The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre,' he posted on Instagram. 'For the team and the club, we'll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. 'For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. 'It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. 'Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. 'I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better.' 'Heartbroken' former manager Jurgen Klopp, for whom his Christian faith has played a big part in his life, wrote on Instagram: 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!' Liverpool, who are supporting Jota's family, have opened a book of condolence, both physical in the Anfield Road Stand and online, lowered flags to half-mast and closed all stores and the museum and suspended all tours until Monday. UEFA announced a moment of silence would be observed at Women's Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday, while the 'devastated' Portuguese Football Federation said: 'Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player…but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his team-mates and opponents. 'We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.' Fans left wreaths, scarves and shirts at a makeshift shrine outside Anfield, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, attending a conference in Liverpool, among those to lay flowers in person. There were similar scenes outside Molineux. Local police, investigating the accident at 1230am on Thursday in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora, said: 'In the absence of a conclusion of the experts' evidence, everything points that a car left the road, due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.' Jota won 49 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal, last month winning the Nations League for a second time. International team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on X: 'It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married. 'To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.' Jota scored 65 goals in 182 Liverpool appearances, nine coming last season as Arne Slot's side won the Premier League title, having previously lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He signed for Wolves, initially on loan, from Atletico Madrid in 2017 and helped win the Championship in his first season, ultimately scoring 44 goals in 131 appearances. Jota's career began at Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira before moving to Atletico, where he did not play a game but was loaned out to Porto.
South Wales Argus
29 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Mourners to gather in Portugal for wake of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota
The 28-year-old father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days ago, died in a car crash in Spain alongside his brother Andre Silva after a Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road and burst into flames following a suspected tyre blowout. The pair were found dead following the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday. Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the 'sense of shock is absolute' for the club. 'Diogo was not just our player,' he said. 'He was a loved one to all of us. Tributes have been left at Anfield Stadium in memory of Jota (Peter Byrne/PA) 'I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. 'The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.' Slot said the player 'never sought popularity' but gained it anyway and was a friend to everyone, able to make others feel good about themselves 'just by being with them'. Portugal fans held up tributes to the player (Nick Potts/PA) He said the last time they spoke he wished Jota luck for his upcoming wedding. 'In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this,' Slot added. He recalled learning, when he first came to the club, of the song Liverpool fans sang for Jota and said he knew 'straight away' that meant the player must have 'special qualities'. 'When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song,' Slot said. 'For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.' The club has opened physical and digital books of condolence in the wake of the deaths, and supporters and members of the public can go to the Anfield Road Stand reception area over the coming days to sign a message. The online book can be found at Flags have been lowered to half-mast at the stadium and all club stores, museums and tours have been closed until Monday, with staff offered wellbeing support. The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was 'devastated' to learn of the deaths, adding: 'Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.' Police said they were investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking, and a source from the government sub-delegation in Zamora confirmed 'a possible speeding incident' was being looked at. No other vehicles are said to have been involved in the incident. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle. Liverpool fans started leaving tributes outside Anfield on Thursday morning, with flowers being laid with messages including 'Thanks for everything, Diogo'. Tributes outside Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton (Matthew Cooper/PA) Jota was part of Liverpool's Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals in 26 appearances. He joined the Merseyside club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, winning three major trophies. Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he wishes Jota's family 'all the strength in the world' following the Liverpool forward's death. A translated version of his message on Instagram said: 'Doesn't make any sense. 'Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. 'To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. 'I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.' The Prince of Wales, patron of the FA, said he was 'deeply saddened' to hear of Jota's death, adding: 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.' Jota and his wife got together in 2013, it has been reported, and have three children together – two sons and a daughter who was born in November. He frequently shared pictures of himself and his family on his Instagram account, while his wife has posted images of their holidays in Dubai and Lapland. They also have three pet beagles. On Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, 28, posted video footage of their wedding, with the caption: 'A day we will never forget.'
Glasgow Times
29 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Mourners to gather in Portugal for wake of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota
The 28-year-old father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days ago, died in a car crash in Spain alongside his brother Andre Silva after a Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road and burst into flames following a suspected tyre blowout. The pair were found dead following the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday. Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the 'sense of shock is absolute' for the club. 'Diogo was not just our player,' he said. 'He was a loved one to all of us. Tributes have been left at Anfield Stadium in memory of Jota (Peter Byrne/PA) 'I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. 'The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.' Slot said the player 'never sought popularity' but gained it anyway and was a friend to everyone, able to make others feel good about themselves 'just by being with them'. Portugal fans held up tributes to the player (Nick Potts/PA) He said the last time they spoke he wished Jota luck for his upcoming wedding. 'In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this,' Slot added. He recalled learning, when he first came to the club, of the song Liverpool fans sang for Jota and said he knew 'straight away' that meant the player must have 'special qualities'. 'When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song,' Slot said. 'For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.' The club has opened physical and digital books of condolence in the wake of the deaths, and supporters and members of the public can go to the Anfield Road Stand reception area over the coming days to sign a message. The online book can be found at Flags have been lowered to half-mast at the stadium and all club stores, museums and tours have been closed until Monday, with staff offered wellbeing support. The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was 'devastated' to learn of the deaths, adding: 'Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.' Police said they were investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking, and a source from the government sub-delegation in Zamora confirmed 'a possible speeding incident' was being looked at. No other vehicles are said to have been involved in the incident. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle. Liverpool fans started leaving tributes outside Anfield on Thursday morning, with flowers being laid with messages including 'Thanks for everything, Diogo'. Tributes outside Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton (Matthew Cooper/PA) Jota was part of Liverpool's Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals in 26 appearances. He joined the Merseyside club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, winning three major trophies. Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he wishes Jota's family 'all the strength in the world' following the Liverpool forward's death. A translated version of his message on Instagram said: 'Doesn't make any sense. 'Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. 'To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. 'I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.' The Prince of Wales, patron of the FA, said he was 'deeply saddened' to hear of Jota's death, adding: 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.' Jota and his wife got together in 2013, it has been reported, and have three children together – two sons and a daughter who was born in November. He frequently shared pictures of himself and his family on his Instagram account, while his wife has posted images of their holidays in Dubai and Lapland. They also have three pet beagles. On Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, 28, posted video footage of their wedding, with the caption: 'A day we will never forget.'
