The football world is in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, at the age of 28. His 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva, a footballer for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel, also died in the accident.
Jota's death has sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, former clubs, and fans alike. Liverpool Football Club released a statement expressing their devastation at the news, requesting privacy for Jota's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, known to the world as Diogo Jota, was born in Porto, Portugal, on December 4, 1996. He began his professional career with Paços de Ferreira, making his senior debut at just 17 years old. His talent quickly became apparent, leading to a move to Atlético Madrid in 2016. However, he was immediately loaned out to FC Porto, where he continued his development under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo.
In 2017, Jota made the switch to English football, joining Wolverhampton Wanderers, initially on loan. It was at Wolves that he truly blossomed, becoming a key figure in the team's promotion to the Premier League in 2018. His performances in the top flight further enhanced his reputation, earning him a move to Liverpool in September 2020.
At Liverpool, Jota quickly established himself as an integral part of Jürgen Klopp's attacking trident. His versatility, work rate, and eye for goal made him a valuable asset to the team. He played 182 games and scored 65 goals for Liverpool, playing a crucial role in securing titles like the Premier League in 2025, FA Cup, Community Shield, and Carabao Cup. He was known for his finishing, pace and dribbling ability.
Despite facing injury setbacks throughout his career, Jota consistently impressed with his performances on the pitch. He was a constant threat to opposing defenses, scoring crucial goals in important matches. Off the field, he was known for his humble and professional demeanor, earning the respect of teammates and fans alike.
Jota also represented Portugal at the international level, earning 49 caps and contributing 14 goals. He was part of the Portuguese squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, showcasing his talent on the international stage. His final appearance for Portugal came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, where Portugal defeated Spain in a penalty shootout.
Beyond football, Jota had a passion for esports and was ranked number one in FIFA 21's Champions Leaderboard in February 2021. He also had his own eSports team known as Luna Galaxy and regularly streamed on Twitch.
Just weeks before his passing, Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22, 2025. The couple had three young children.
Diogo Jota's career, though tragically cut short, was filled with memorable moments and accomplishments. He will be remembered as a talented footballer, a dedicated teammate, and a respected figure both on and off the pitch. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of Liverpool fans and the wider football community. The footballing world has lost a star, and he will be deeply missed.
A funeral service was held in the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church in their hometown of Gondomar near Porto in northern Portugal on Saturday morning. Liverpool players, past and present, joined the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva for their funeral in Portugal.
