Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, known to the football world as Diogo Jota, tragically passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 28. His untimely death in a car accident in Cernadilla, Spain, alongside his brother André Silva, sent shockwaves through the football community. Jota, a Portuguese international, had a career that spanned several top clubs, including Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Liverpool.
Jota began his professional journey with Paços de Ferreira in Portugal's Primeira Liga. His impressive performances quickly attracted attention, leading to a transfer to Atlético Madrid in 2016. However, he was immediately loaned to FC Porto. He scored his first hat-trick for Porto in a 4–0 victory against Nacional. Jota also participated in the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League, scoring against Leicester City.
In 2017, Jota was loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Championship. He played a crucial role in Wolves' promotion to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals in the 2017-18 season. His contributions led to Wolves signing him permanently in 2018. In the Premier League, Jota continued to shine, becoming a key player for Wolves. He made 67 appearances and scored 16 goals for Wolves in the Premier League.
In September 2020, Jota joined Liverpool for a reported fee of £41 million. He quickly became an integral part of Liverpool's attacking setup, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability. He scored on his Premier League debut against Arsenal. Jota scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Leeds United in December 2020. He won the FA Cup and League Cup with Liverpool in 2021/22, scoring 21 goals in 55 appearances that season. He reached 50 goals for the club in 2023/24. Jota also played a key role in Liverpool's Premier League title win in the 2024/25 season. By the end of his Liverpool career, Jota made 123 appearances and scored 47 goals. In total, Jota made 182 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals and assisting 22.
Jota was also a prominent figure in the Portugal national team. He represented Portugal at various youth levels before making his senior debut in November 2019. Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals. He was part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Throughout his career, Jota faced several injuries that sidelined him for periods. These included knee, calf, and muscle injuries, which sometimes disrupted his momentum. Despite these setbacks, he consistently bounced back and remained a key player for both club and country.
Diogo Jota was known for his clinical finishing, explosive pace, and dribbling ability. He was a versatile player, capable of playing as a forward or left winger. His work ethic and intensity on the field made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
Off the pitch, Jota was an avid gamer and was ranked world No. 1 in FIFA 21's Champions Leaderboard in February 2021. He had his own eSports team known as Luna Galaxy. Jota married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, on June 22, 2025, shortly before his passing.
The football world mourns the loss of a talented player and individual. Diogo Jota's contributions to football will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
