Diogo Jota, the brilliant young striker for Liverpool and the Portuguese national side, died suddenly in a car wreck. The recent incident on the field in Spain shocked fans and players alike. He was just 28 years old. Members of the football community still stunned, shocked and mourning. At the time Jota was one of the most accomplished athletes in his field, a doting father of three toddlers and a hero among fellow competitors.
Jota’s tragic passing comes less than two weeks after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. The two had been together since high school, starting their romantic relationship in 2013. Their recent union serves as a reminder of the deep loss experienced by his family and friends during this tragic time.
The Liverpool dressing room must be feeling immensely while famed for being a huge positive environment. He was indescribably the nicest person you could ever imagine. As both a positive influence on his teammates and as a crucial touchstone in the community, David made an everlasting impact. Jota has proven his class on the international stage, where he has been capped in almost 50 matches for the Portugal national A team. He began his professional career in 2014.
Jota was personally affected as he shared a close bond with his brother, André Silva. André is a professional footballer, currently with the second-tier Portuguese club Penafiel. The tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of both brothers has left an immense void and added to the grief experienced by their family and friends.
In acknowledgment to their memory, the flag on Liverpool Town Hall has been brought to half-mast. It’s not just the TSP — the Portuguese Football Federation is showing Jota and Silva some love. They have called upon UEFA to allow for a minute’s silence prior to Portugal’s Women’s team game against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, articulated the shared sorrow felt by the football community.
“The Portuguese football federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, this morning in [Spain]. Much more than a fantastic player, who played almost 50 matches for the national A team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.” – Pedro Proença
Liverpool Football Club joined other teams in sending condolences in a statement that said the organization is “devastated” by Jota’s death.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” – Liverpool FC
The impact of Jota’s loss goes beyond what he was doing on the pitch. His infectious joy and community spirit made him a cherished figure among fans and players alike. He will be remembered not just for his accomplishments in football but for the warmth he brought into the lives of those around him.