Who is Diogo Jota?
Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, known globally as Diogo Jota, was a Portuguese footballer whose career embodied talent, versatility, and relentless drive.
Born in Porto on December 4, 1996, Jota rose from local youth leagues to become a key figure for Liverpool FC and the Portugal national team.
His journey was marked by dazzling goals, tactical brilliance, and a deep love for the game. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 28 in a car accident on July 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans and players alike.
Early Life and Youth Career
Diogo Jota was born in the Massarelos neighborhood of Porto to Joaquim and Isabel Silva.
From a young age, he displayed a natural flair for football, often playing in the streets with his younger brother, André Silva, who would also pursue a professional career.
His parents, both passionate about the sport, supported his ambitions and enrolled him in local youth clubs.
Jota began his formal football journey at Gondomar SC in 2005, where he spent eight formative years honing his skills.
His performances caught the attention of scouts, and in 2013, he joined the youth academy of Paços de Ferreira.
During the 2013–14 season, he emerged as the top scorer in the national junior championship, netting 22 goals.
This achievement led to his promotion to the senior team at just 17 years old.
Club Career Timeline
| Years | Club | Appearances | Goals |
| 2014 – 2016 | Paços de Ferreira | 41 | 14 |
| 2016 – 2018 | Atlético Madrid | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 – 2017 | FC Porto (loan) | 27 | 8 |
| 2017 – 2018 | Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) | 44 | 17 |
| 2020 – 2025 | Liverpool FC | 182 | 65 |
Rise Through the Ranks
Jota made his professional debut with Paços de Ferreira in October 2014.
Over two seasons, he made 41 appearances and scored 14 goals, quickly establishing himself as one of Portugal’s most promising young talents.
In March 2016, he signed a five-year contract with Atlético Madrid.
However, due to intense competition in the squad, he was loaned to FC Porto for the 2016–17 season.
At Porto, Jota impressed with 8 goals in 27 appearances and gained valuable experience in the UEFA Champions League.
His standout moment came with a first-half hat-trick against Nacional and a goal against Leicester City in Europe.
Despite his success, he was loaned again, this time to Wolverhampton Wanderers in England’s EFL Championship.
Breakthrough at Wolverhampton
Jota’s time at Wolves marked a turning point in his career. Initially joining on loan in 2017, he scored 17 goals in 44 appearances and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
His performances earned him a permanent move in 2018, and he continued to shine in the top flight, scoring 16 goals in 67 appearances.
During his tenure at Wolves, Jota delivered memorable performances, including a hat-trick against Leicester City and a decisive goal against Manchester United in the FA Cup.
He also made history by scoring Wolves’ first European goal since 1980 and netting back-to-back hat-tricks in the UEFA Europa League against Beşiktaş and Espanyol.
Liverpool Career and Achievements
In September 2020, Jota signed with Liverpool FC for a reported fee of £41 million.
He made an immediate impact, scoring on his Premier League debut against Arsenal and netting the club’s 10,000th goal in history during a Champions League match against Midtjylland.
His first hat-trick for Liverpool came against Atalanta, showcasing his clinical finishing and tactical intelligence.
Over five seasons, Jota made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals for Liverpool.
He helped the club win the Premier League in the 2024–25 season, the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2021–22, and the UEFA Europa League in 2024–25.
His ability to play across the front line made him a vital asset in Jürgen Klopp’s and later Arne Slot’s tactical setups.
International Career
Jota represented Portugal at various youth levels, including U19, U21, and U23. He made his senior debut in November 2019 and earned 49 caps, scoring 14 goals.
He was part of the squads for UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 and played a key role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.
His international career was marked by crucial goals, including a brace against Sweden and a standout performance against Croatia.
Although he missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to injury, he remained a consistent presence in the national team and was admired for his work ethic and leadership.
Playing Style and Strengths
Diogo Jota was known for his versatility, capable of playing as a forward, winger, or false nine. He was primarily right-footed but equally proficient with both feet.
His attributes included explosive pace, precise finishing, dribbling ability, and a high work rate. He excelled in pressing systems and was often praised for his tactical intelligence and ability to adapt to different formations.
Jota’s style combined flair with efficiency. He was not just a goal scorer but also a creator, contributing assists and initiating attacking plays.
His ambidexterity and spatial awareness made him a nightmare for defenders and a reliable option for managers.
Personal Life and Family
Jota’s personal life was grounded in love and loyalty. He married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, on June 22, 2025, in a private ceremony in Porto.
The couple had been together since 2012 and shared three children: Dinis (born 2021), a second child in 2023, and a daughter born in November 2024.
Despite his demanding career, Jota remained a devoted husband and father. He often shared family moments on social media, celebrating milestones and expressing gratitude for his loved ones.
His relationship with Rute was admired by fans, and their wedding was a joyful highlight before tragedy struck.
Passion for Esports and Gaming
Beyond football, Jota was an avid gamer and esports enthusiast. He reached world No. 1 in FIFA 21’s Champions Leaderboard and founded Luna Galaxy, a competitive esports team.
He regularly streamed on Twitch and participated in Premier League FIFA tournaments, even defeating teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold in a charity final.
His involvement in esports was more than a hobby, it was a business venture that added depth to his public persona.
Jota’s ability to bridge sports and gaming made him a unique figure in modern athletics, appealing to a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Net Worth and Endorsements
At the time of his death, Diogo Jota’s net worth was estimated at $18 million. His Liverpool salary was around £140,000 per week, contributing to over £40 million in career earnings.
He also earned approximately $1.5 million annually from endorsements with brands like Nike, EA Sports, and others.
Jota owned a luxury villa in Lisbon valued at $3 million and a townhouse in Liverpool worth $1.5 million.
His car collection included a Porsche 911 Turbo S and a Range Rover Sport, reflecting his taste for performance and style.
His esports investments added another $3 million to his portfolio, showcasing his financial acumen.
Tragic Passing and Global Mourning
On July 3, 2025, Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva died in a car accident near Zamora, Spain.
Their Lamborghini reportedly suffered a tire blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and caught fire.
The crash occurred just 11 days after Jota’s wedding, leaving the football world in shock.
Tributes poured in from Liverpool FC, the Portuguese Football Federation, UEFA, and fans worldwide.
Vigils were held at Anfield and in Porto, and a minute of silence was observed before Portugal’s Women’s Euros match against Spain.
Jota’s death was not just a loss to football but to a global community that admired his talent, humility, and humanity.
Legacy and Impact
Diogo Jota’s legacy transcends statistics and trophies. He was a player who gave everything on the pitch and a person who inspired off it.
His journey from Porto’s streets to Premier League glory is a testament to hard work, resilience, and authenticity.
He will be remembered for his goals, his kindness, and his ability to connect with fans across generations.
Whether scoring in a packed stadium or streaming FIFA from his gaming room, Jota brought joy and excellence to everything he did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How did Diogo Jota die?
He died in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025.
Q. What was Diogo Jota’s impact on Liverpool FC?
Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s attacking lineup, contributing 65 goals in 182 appearances. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly rotate with stars like Salah and Núñez, and he was instrumental in Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League title win.
Q. Did Diogo Jota receive any individual awards during his career?
Yes. He was named Premier League Player of the Month in January 2024 and Liverpool Player of the Season for 2022–23. He also featured in the UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI in 2020.
Q. What was Diogo Jota’s involvement in charity or community work?
Jota supported youth football initiatives in Portugal and contributed to mental health awareness campaigns through Liverpool’s foundation. He also donated gaming equipment to children’s hospitals via his esports brand, Luna Galaxy.
Q. How is Diogo Jota being honored after his passing?
Liverpool FC and the Portuguese Football Federation have planned memorial matches and tributes. UEFA held a minute of silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euros match, and fans worldwide continue to share messages and memorials in his honor.
