Diogo Jota
Prepare to be inspired, football fanatics, as Gizthub delve into the incredible journey of a player who truly defied expectations and captured hearts wherever he played: the one and only Diogo Jota! From his humble beginnings to gracing the grandest stages of European football, Jota’s career was a testament to sheer talent, relentless hard work, and an unyielding spirit. His story, sadly cut short, is one of brilliance, passion, and an unforgettable impact that will echo through the annals of football history.
The Early Chapters: A Star in the Making
Born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva in Porto, Portugal, on 4 December 1996, the man we affectionately knew as Diogo Jota began his footballing odyssey at his local club, Gondomar, at the tender age of nine. Fun fact: his academy was even named after him in 2022, a true testament to his early influence! Like many young hopefuls, Jota faced his share of challenges, initially being rejected by larger clubs due to his “small frame”. But did that stop him? Absolutely not! He found his footing at Paços de Ferreira’s youth setup in 2013, proving that sometimes, the biggest dreams start in the most unexpected places.
His senior debut arrived on 19 October 2014, in a Taça de Portugal match, which Paços de Ferreira emphatically won 4-0. Imagine the thrill! Jota made his Primeira Liga debut on 20 February 2015, and by 17 May, he scored his first goals in the competition, netting a brace in a thrilling 3-2 home victory. In doing so, he etched his name into the club’s history books, becoming the youngest player ever to score for Paços in the top tier. His manager even compared him to Cristiano Ronaldo – talk about high praise for a young player! He famously lived in a club dormitory, a unique setup designed to help him avoid distractions and learn foreign languages in preparation for a move abroad. This level of dedication, even as a teenager, truly set the stage for his future successes.
A Portuguese Powerhouse: From Porto to Atlético Madrid
Jota’s undeniable talent quickly caught the eye of European giants. On 14 March 2016, he signed a five-year contract with La Liga powerhouse Atlético Madrid, effective from 1 July. While he didn’t feature for Atlético, this move was a clear indicator of his burgeoning reputation. He was swiftly loaned back to Portugal, joining FC Porto on 26 August 2016.
His time at Porto was nothing short of spectacular. On 1 October, he bagged a first-half hat-trick in a dominant 4-0 away victory against Nacional, showcasing his clinical finishing prowess. He even made his mark on the grandest club stage, scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal on 7 December in a resounding 5-0 home win against Leicester City. This marked him as the youngest Portuguese player to score in the Champions League. He finished his loan spell with 8 goals in 27 Primeira Liga appearances and 1 goal in 8 Champions League games. Despite hoping to stay, Porto couldn’t meet his high buy-out clause, leading him to seek new opportunities where he could continue playing regularly.
Conquering England: The Wolves’ Howl and Liverpool’s Roar
Jota’s journey to England began on 25 July 2017, when he joined EFL Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan. This move, initially questioned by many back home in Portugal, who couldn’t fathom a Champions League player moving to an English second division club, was a “step back to go forwards” as Jota himself articulated. And what a step it turned out to be! He scored his first goal on 15 August in a 3-2 away win over Hull City. His performances were so captivating that a permanent deal, reportedly for €14 million, was agreed upon on 30 January 2018, effective from 1 July.
He exploded in his first year, scoring a career-best 17 league goals, finishing fifth in the league’s top scorer charts, as Wolves charged their way to promotion to the Premier League as champions. It was during this period that his jersey name changed from his legal surname to “Diogo J” due to English Football League regulations, a subtle nod to the unique moniker that would become globally famous.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Making History
Jota’s Premier League debut arrived on 11 August 2018, in a 2-2 draw against Everton. His first goal in the competition came on 5 December, helping Wolves to a memorable 2-1 comeback win against Chelsea. But it was on 19 January 2019, that he truly announced himself to the Premier League, scoring a sensational hat-trick in a thrilling 4-3 home victory over Leicester City. This wasn’t just any hat-trick; he became only the second Portuguese player to achieve this feat in the Premier League, following none other than Cristiano Ronaldo 11 years earlier. It was also the first-ever for Wolves in the Premier League and the first for the club in the top flight since John Richards in 1977.
His impact wasn’t limited to the league. On 16 March 2019, he scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the FA Cup, propelling Wolves to their first semi-final in the competition since 1997–98. The 2019-20 season saw him continue his European heroics. On 12 December 2019, he came on as a 56th-minute substitute against Beşiktaş in the Europa League group stage, scored after just 72 seconds, and completed a hat-trick within an astonishing twelve minutes. This set a record for the quickest European hat-trick scored by Wolves, a record unlikely to be toppled. Just two months later, on 20 February, he netted another treble in a 4-0 win over Espanyol in the Europa League Round of 32. #DiogoJota truly thrived on the European stage! He made 131 appearances for Wolves, scoring 44 goals, with his final goal coming in a 3-0 league victory over Everton on 12 July 2020.
Here’s a quick look at Jota’s memorable hat-tricks for Wolves:
| Competition | Date | Opponent | Score | Goals (Minutes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 19 January 2019 | Leicester City | 4–3 | 3 | First Premier League hat-trick for Wolves since 1977. |
| Europa League | 12 December 2019 | Beşiktaş | 4–0 | 3 (57′, 63′, 68′) | Quickest European hat-trick for Wolves (11 minutes). |
| Europa League | 20 February 2020 | Espanyol | 4–0 | 3 (15′, 67′, 81′) | Second hat-trick in successive Europa League games. |
Liverpool: The Apex of a Dazzling Career
On 19 September 2020, Diogo Jota embarked on the next monumental chapter of his career, joining Liverpool on a long-term deal for a reported transfer fee of £41 million, potentially rising to £45 million. This was a dream come true, and he openly stated his ambition was “to challenge the front three not to be happy with being a substitute player”.
He wasted no time making his mark, scoring on his Premier League debut for the Reds just nine days later in a 3-1 win against Arsenal at Anfield. The goals kept flowing! He netted Liverpool’s 10,000th goal in their history in a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Midtjylland. Then, on 3 November, he delivered another stunning hat-trick in a dominant 5-0 away victory against Atalanta in the same competition. This remarkable feat made him the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler in 1993 to score 7 goals in his first 10 Liverpool appearances. He also became the first Liverpool player to score in each of his first four home Premier League matches. His dazzling performances earned him the Liverpool Player of the Month award for October.
Despite a leg injury in December 2020 that sidelined him for three months, Jota ended his debut season with nine league goals, including a fantastic back heel in a 4-2 away win against Manchester United, helping Liverpool secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
The 2021-22 season was incredibly fruitful for Diogo Jota and Liverpool. He scored the club’s first goal of the Premier League season against Norwich City, and memorably found the net in a resounding 5-0 away victory against arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. In December, he contributed to Liverpool becoming the first English top-flight team to score at least two goals in eighteen successive games across all competitions. His outstanding form earned him the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award for November.
Jota was instrumental in Liverpool’s domestic double, scoring both goals in a 2-0 away win over Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-finals to send Liverpool to the final. He then scored his penalty in the shoot-out against Chelsea to help Liverpool win their first League Cup since 2012. He also scored his penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final shoot-out, which Liverpool won against Chelsea. He made a substitute appearance in the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final as Liverpool narrowly lost to Real Madrid.
The 2022-23 season was challenging due to recurring injuries, including a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the start of the season and a calf injury that ruled him out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite the setbacks, he signed a new long-term deal with the club on 2 August 2022. He returned to scoring ways in April 2023 with two goals against Leeds United and a dramatic late winner against Tottenham Hotspur, earning him a Premier League Player of the Month nomination.
In January 2024, Jota truly stepped up in the absence of Mohamed Salah, forming a formidable partnership with Darwin Núñez. He scored five goals and assisted two, earning him the Premier League Player of the Month award for January. Sadly, he suffered another knee injury in February 2024, sidelining him for two months, and then another setback in April, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
The 2024-25 season saw Diogo Jota continue to be a vital presence. He scored Liverpool’s first goal of the Arne Slot era in a 2-0 away win against Ipswich Town. Fitting tactically into Slot’s system as a false nine, he competed fiercely for a starting spot. On 5 October, he marked his 100th start for the club by scoring the winning goal against Crystal Palace. His final official goal came on 2 April 2025, scoring the winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton, maintaining Liverpool’s 12-point lead. On 28 April, Liverpool secured the 2024-25 Premier League title, marking Jota’s fourth and final trophy with the club.
Here’s a snapshot of his club statistics:
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paços de Ferreira | 2014–2016 | 41 | 14 |
| Atlético Madrid | 2016–2018 | 0 | 0 |
| → Porto (loan) | 2016–2017 | 27 | 8 |
| → Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) | 2017–2018 | 44 | 17 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2018–2020 | 67 | 16 |
| Liverpool | 2020–2025 | 123 | 47 |
| Total | 302 | 102 |
Source:
A National Hero: Representing Portugal
Diogo Jota’s international career was just as distinguished as his club exploits. He represented Portugal at various youth levels, scoring his first goal for the under-19 team in May 2015. He earned his first cap for the under-21 team in November of the same year, still not yet 19 years old.
His senior international call-up came in March 2019. Though uncapped, he was part of the squad that triumphed in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals on home soil. He made his senior debut on 14 November 2019, coming on as a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo in a 6-0 win against Lithuania. He scored his first international goal on 5 September 2020, in a 4-1 home win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.
Jota was an integral part of Portugal’s squads for the 2022 World Cup and two European Championships (2020 and 2024). On 11 September 2023, he scored a brace in Portugal’s resounding 9-0 home victory over Luxembourg, their biggest win in international history. In May 2025, he was selected for Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals squad, which they went on to win 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out over rivals Spain. This would tragically be Jota’s final match as a footballer. In total, he made 49 appearances for Portugal, scoring 14 goals, and securing two UEFA Nations League titles.
The Player: A Versatile Dynamo
What made Diogo Jota such a special player? His style of play was nothing short of exhilarating! He was a truly versatile forward, capable of excelling in numerous attacking positions. Whether deployed as a centre forward, an out-and-out striker, a winger, or even a false nine, Jota consistently delivered. He was ostensibly right-footed but remarkably strong with both feet, making him a nightmare for defenders.
He was renowned for his clinical finishing, explosive pace, and mesmerizing dribbling ability. His positional sense and movement were exceptional, making him especially effective on the counter-attack. But it wasn’t just about attacking; Jota was also celebrated for his defensive contributions and an incredibly high work rate on the pitch. As Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said, “Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!”. Indeed, his footballing qualities were matched by his admirable character.
Beyond the Pitch: A Life Well-Lived
Beyond the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the game, Diogo Jota was a man of fascinating character and deep personal connections.
The Name Game: Why “Jota”?
Ever wondered why his jersey read “Jota” instead of his actual surname, Silva? His full name was Diogo José Teixeira da Silva. He chose to use “Jota” (the Portuguese pronunciation of the letter “J”) to distinguish himself from the many other players named Diogo and Silva in youth academies. It’s a clever, personal touch that became his global brand! His brother, André Silva, kept the family name, which sometimes led to confusion with another footballer, RB Leipzig striker Andre Silva.
A Family Man and a Gaming Guru
Jota was a devoted family man. He married his high school sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, on 22 June 2025, just 11 days before his tragic passing. The couple shared three beautiful children – two sons and a daughter, the youngest born in November 2024. His Liverpool teammate, Andy Robertson, shared a touching tribute, recalling Jota’s wedding day as “the happiest day of his life,” bursting with love for his wife and family.
Beyond the pitch, Jota was an avid gamer and a true eSports enthusiast! He was ranked world No. 1 in FIFA 21’s Champions Leaderboard in February 2021, a feat that would make any casual gamer green with envy. He even had his own eSports team, Luna Galaxy (formerly “Diogo Jota eSports”), and regularly streamed on Twitch. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, he took part in a Premier League invitational series of FIFA matches, even defeating his future Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final. How cool is that? A world-class footballer who could also dominate the virtual pitch!
The Tragic End: A Devastating Loss
The football world, and indeed the wider community, was plunged into profound sadness on 3 July 2025, when Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, were tragically killed in a single-vehicle collision in Cernadilla, Spain.
The circumstances surrounding their journey add a heartbreaking layer to the tragedy. Jota had undergone minor lung surgery prior to his wedding and was advised by doctors not to fly. Consequently, he and André were travelling from Liverpool by ferry to Santander in northern Spain, then driving south to Porto. They were making the return journey to Liverpool for pre-season training when the accident occurred. His physiotherapist, Miguel Goncalves, spoke of saying goodbye to them at 8:30 PM the night before, with the brothers planning to drive at night to avoid the heat and stop at a hotel. He vehemently denied any “wild speculation” of them “partying,” emphasizing Jota’s professionalism.
According to the Spanish Civil Guard, Jota’s Lamborghini Hurucán suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another car, veered off the road, and caught fire. The incident happened around 00:40 CEST on the A-52 motorway in the municipality of Cernadilla. The vehicle was completely burned out, with identification confirmed through documents and the car’s license plate. Authorities are investigating a “possible speeding incident”. Both brothers died at the scene. André Silva, 25, was also a professional footballer, playing for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel at the time of their deaths.
A Flood of Tributes and an Eternal Legacy
The sudden and tragic passing of Diogo Jota prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the globe. It truly felt like the football world stood still.
Liverpool FC, in a statement, expressed their devastation, calling Jota “a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special”. His former team, Wolves, also conveyed their shock, stating, “He was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him”. Liverpool FC later announced that Jota’s number 20 shirt would be “rightly immortalised” for his contributions, especially during the 2024–25 title-winning season. What an incredible honour for a player who gave so much!
Personal tributes poured in from legends and teammates:
- Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota for Liverpool, shared his heartbreak, describing Jota as “not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!”.
- Cristiano Ronaldo, his Portugal teammate and captain, expressed his disbelief, stating, “It just doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married”.
- Former Liverpool manager Sir Kenny Dalglish eloquently put it, “Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children”.
- Liverpool star Mohamed Salah said he was “lost for words,” finding it difficult to accept Jota wouldn’t be there upon his return to Liverpool.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke of being “deeply saddened,” noting that Jota and his brother would be “sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community”.
Moments of silence were held before games at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, and flags at FIFA Headquarters were flown at half-mast, a truly global gesture of respect.
The Portuguese Football Federation praised Jota as “an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents” and “someone with a contagious joy”. His legacy is not just in the goals he scored or the trophies he lifted, but in the indelible mark he left on people’s hearts with his dedication, humility, and infectious spirit. As the tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Diogo Jota will forever be remembered as a footballing phenomenon and an extraordinary human being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Diogo Jota’s full name and why did he use “Jota”?
Diogo Jota’s full name was Diogo José Teixeira da Silva. He used “Jota” because it is the Portuguese pronunciation of the letter “J,” which he used as “Diogo J” to distinguish himself from other players with the common names “Diogo” or “Silva” in youth academies.
How did Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva die?
Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva died in a single-vehicle car crash on 3 July 2025, in Cernadilla, Spain. Their Lamborghini Hurucán suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and caught fire.
What were Diogo Jota’s main achievements and honours?
Diogo Jota won several major honours during his career. With Wolverhampton Wanderers, he won the EFL Championship (2017–18). With Liverpool, he won the Premier League (2024–25), FA Cup (2021–22), and two EFL Cups (2021–22, 2023–24). For Portugal, he was part of the squads that won the UEFA Nations League twice (2018–19, 2024–25). Individually, he was named Premier League Player of the Month in January 2024.
Why was Diogo Jota driving back to England instead of flying?
Diogo Jota was driving back to England because he had undergone minor lung surgery before his wedding and was advised by doctors not to fly. He was travelling by car to catch a ferry from Santander, Spain, to the UK for pre-season training.
A Legacy That Shines Forever Bright
The world of football mourns the loss of Diogo Jota, a player who epitomized dedication, versatility, and sheer joy on the pitch. From his youthful promise at Paços de Ferreira to his incredible impact at Porto, Wolves, and most notably, Liverpool, Jota consistently thrilled fans with his clinical finishing, electric pace, and tireless work rate. He was a champion for Portugal, a beloved figure in the dressing room, and a true family man.
His story is a powerful reminder that life is precious, and every moment, every goal, every victory, and every personal connection should be cherished. While his time with us was tragically cut short, the memories he created, the records he broke, and the hearts he touched will live on. Diogo Jota’s legacy is etched in the trophies he helped win, the records he set, and the profound admiration he earned from teammates, coaches, and fans worldwide. He was, and always will be, a true footballing phenomenon, whose star will shine forever bright in the firmament of the beautiful game. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and André Silva. You’ll Never Walk Alone.
