Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, most famously known as Diogo Jota, was a Portuguese professional footballer whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 28. Born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, Jota was a versatile player known for his abilities as a forward or left winger. He was widely admired for his clinical finishing, explosive pace, and exceptional dribbling skills.
Jota's career began in his native Portugal, where he progressed through the youth ranks at Paços de Ferreira. He made his senior debut for the club in 2014 and quickly established himself as a key player. In 2016, he signed with La Liga club Atlético Madrid, though he never made an appearance for the Spanish side. Instead, he was loaned to FC Porto and later to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It was at Wolverhampton Wanderers that Jota truly began to shine. He initially joined the club on loan in 2017 and played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League. In 2018, he made the move permanent. Over two seasons in the Midlands, Jota made 67 league appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and exciting attacking talent.
In September 2020, Jota's career reached new heights when he signed for Liverpool for a reported fee of £41 million. He quickly integrated into the team, making an immediate impact with his goal-scoring ability and work rate. Jota proved to be a valuable addition to Liverpool's attacking options, contributing significantly to their success in both domestic and European competitions.
During his time with Liverpool, Jota won the FA Cup and League Cup. He also featured in the Champions League final in 2022. Individually, he was named Premier League Player of the Month in January 2024.
Jota was also a prominent figure in the Portuguese national team. He represented his country at various youth levels before making his senior debut in November 2019. He was selected for the squads for the 2020 and 2024 European Championships. He also won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Off the pitch, Jota was known for his passion for gaming. He was ranked number one in the world in FIFA 21's Champions Leaderboard in February 2021. He also owned an eSports team and regularly streamed on Twitch. Just ten days before his death, Jota married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso. The couple had three children.
Tragically, Diogo Jota's life was cut short in a fatal car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025. His brother, André Filipe, was also killed in the accident. The news of his untimely passing sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes pouring in from clubs, players, and fans alike. Jota's death is a devastating loss to the sport, robbing the world of a talented and beloved player.
