Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has reportedly died in a tragic car accident in Zamora, Spain. The 28-year-old Portugal international and his 26-year-old brother, André, were both killed in the crash.
Here, BusinessDay takes a look at six things to know about the life and career of the Liverpool and Portugal star, Diogo Jota, who died in a tragic car accident.
Read Also: Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies in car crash two weeks after wedding
From Porto roots to professional debut
Born in Porto, Jota began his career at Gondomar before joining Paços de Ferreira’s academy in 2013.
He made his senior debut on 19 October 2014 in a Taça de Portugal clash and quickly rose as one of Portugal’s top young talents.
A nomadic rise through Europe
In 2016, Atlético Madrid signed Jota for €7 million, but he never made an official appearance.
He had loan spells at FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. His standout performances in England led to a permanent move to Wolves in 2018 for €14 million.
Jota played 131 matches, scored 44 goals, and was instrumental in Wolves’ promotion and Premier League consolidation.
Anfield impact and trophy success
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 for a reported €44.7 million. He became a key figure under Jurgen Klopp and later Arne Slot, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists in 182 games.
Trophies won with Liverpool:
Premier League (2024/25)
FA Cup (2021/22)
League Cup (2021/22)
A Life in Love: Marriage Just 11 Days Ago
Just 11 days before his death, Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared a decade-long relationship.
The couple wedded in Porto on June 22, 2025, surrounded by their three children: Dinis (4), Duarte (2), and a baby daughter born in 2024.
A family man and fan favourite
Their wedding post received over 190,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments, reflecting his popularity not just as a footballer, but as a devoted family man.
“I’m the lucky one,” Jota said after the ceremony, as fans and teammates celebrated his milestone.
Legacy in Portuguese Football
Diogo Jota was a regular for the Portugal national team, known for his versatility, tenacity, and goal-scoring instincts.
He was seen as one of the most consistent attacking threats for both club and country over the last five years.
Jota’s sudden death has left the football world in mourning. He will be remembered as a dynamic player, a loving father and husband, and a professional who gave his all on and off the pitch.
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