Diogo Jota, born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, was a professional footballer known for his versatility, clinical finishing, and relentless pressing. He primarily played as a forward or winger for Premier League club Liverpool and the Portugal national team. Jota began his youth career at Gondomar SC before moving to Paços de Ferreira, where he made his professional debut in 2014. His performances caught the attention of Atlético Madrid, who signed him in 2016. However, he spent the 2016–17 season on loan at Porto and later at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he made a significant impact.
Jota’s time at Wolverhampton Wanderers was marked by impressive performances, including a notable hat-trick against Beşiktaş in the UEFA Europa League. He scored 33 goals in 111 appearances for the club. In September 2020, he joined Liverpool for a reported fee of £41 million. He quickly became an integral part of the team, known for his ability to score crucial goals and his adaptability in various attacking roles. Over his five seasons at Liverpool, he made 182 appearances, scoring 65 goals and providing 24 assists across all competitions. On the international front, Jota represented Portugal at various youth levels before making his senior debut in November 2019. He earned 50 caps and scored 14 goals for the national team.
Throughout his career, Jota achieved significant success. With Liverpool, he won the Premier League title in the 2021–22 season, as well as the FA Cup and EFL Cup in the same year. He also helped the team reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2022 and played a key role in their victory in the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League. Individually, he was named Premier League Player of the Month in October 2020 and Liverpool Player of the Season for 2022–23.
Tragically, on July 3, 2025, Diogo Jota passed away at the age of 28 in a car accident near Cernadilla, in the province of Zamora, Spain. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, resulting in a fire that claimed his life and that of his brother, André Jota, a professional footballer for Penafiel. The vehicle, a Lamborghini, reportedly suffered a tire blowout, leading to the crash. This devastating news deeply affected the football community worldwide.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Diogo José Teixeira da Silva
- Date of Birth: December 4, 1996
- Place of Birth: Porto, Portugal
- Date of Death: July 3, 2025
- Place of Death: Zamora, Spain
- Height: 1.78 meters (5 ft 10 in)
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Position: Forward / Left Winger
- Preferred Foot: Right (equally proficient with both feet)
- Nickname: “Jota” (adopted during youth academy days to distinguish himself from other players named Diogo)
Early Life and Family Background
Diogo Jota was born in the Massarelos neighborhood of Porto to Joaquim and Isabel Silva. He grew up alongside his younger brother, André Silva, who also pursued a career in professional football. The Silva family’s deep-rooted passion for the sport played a pivotal role in nurturing Diogo’s early interest and commitment to football. From a young age, he exhibited exceptional talent, often playing in the streets of Porto and showcasing a natural flair for the game. His parents supported his aspirations, enrolling him in local youth clubs where he honed his skills and developed a love for the sport.
Youth Career and Development
Jota’s football journey began at Gondomar, a local club where he spent his formative years. Recognizing his potential, he moved to Paços de Ferreira’s youth academy, where he continued to develop his skills. During the 2013–14 season, he emerged as the top scorer in the national junior championship, netting 22 goals. This achievement caught the attention of scouts from major clubs, leading to his promotion to Paços de Ferreira’s senior team at the age of 17. His performances in the Primeira Liga further solidified his reputation as a promising talent.
Professional Career
Paços de Ferreira (2014–2016)
Jota made his professional debut with Paços de Ferreira, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities and versatility on the field. Over two seasons, he made 41 appearances and scored 14 goals, attracting interest from top-tier clubs.
Atlético Madrid (2016–2018)
In March 2016, Jota signed a five-year contract with La Liga club Atlético Madrid. However, due to intense competition for starting positions, he was loaned out to FC Porto for the 2016–17 season, where he made 27 appearances and scored 8 goals. His performances at Porto were impressive, but he was subsequently loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Championship.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017–2020)
Jota’s time at Wolves marked a significant phase in his career. Initially joining on loan, he made 44 appearances and scored 17 goals, playing a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League. His performances earned him a permanent move, and he continued to impress in the top flight, making 67 appearances and scoring 16 goals.
Liverpool FC (2020–2025)
In September 2020, Jota joined Liverpool FC for a reported fee of £41 million, potentially rising to £45 million with add-ons. He quickly adapted to the Premier League, making an immediate impact with his goal-scoring prowess. Over his five seasons at Liverpool, he made 123 appearances and scored 47 goals, contributing significantly to the team’s successes.
International Career
Jota represented Portugal at various youth levels, including U19, U21, and U23. He made his senior debut in November 2019 and was part of the squads for UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. Notably, he was instrumental in Portugal’s victory in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Playing Style
Diogo Jota was known for his versatility, capable of playing as a centre-forward, winger, or false nine. Although primarily right-footed, he was proficient with both feet. His attributes included clinical finishing, explosive pace, dribbling ability, and high work rate, making him effective both offensively and defensively.
Personal Life
Jota was married to Rute Cardoso in June 2025, and the couple had three children. Outside of football, he was an avid gamer and achieved the world No. 1 ranking in FIFA 21’s Champions Leaderboard as of February 2021. He owned an eSports team named Luna Galaxy and regularly streamed on Twitch. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he participated in a Premier League FIFA invitational, defeating future Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final.
Death
On July 3, 2025, Diogo Jota tragically passed away at the age of 28 in a car accident near Palacios de Sanabria, in the province of Zamora, Spain. He was traveling with his younger brother, André Teixeira da Silva, when their vehicle veered off the road and caught fire. Despite immediate emergency efforts, both brothers lost their lives in the crash. This untimely loss shocked the football world, with tributes flooding in from fans, teammates, and clubs around the globe. Just two weeks earlier, Jota had celebrated a significant personal milestone, marrying his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in Porto. The couple, who had been together since 2012, had three children together, and the marriage marked a joyful chapter in his life before the tragedy struck.
Honours
Club
Wolverhampton Wanderers
- EFL Championship: 2017–18
Liverpool FC
- Premier League: 2024–25
- FA Cup: 2021–22
- EFL Cup: 2021–22
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2021–22
International
Portugal
- UEFA Nations League: 2018–19, 2024–25
Individual
- Premier League Player of the Month: January 2024
- SJPF Young Player of the Month: October/November 2015
- Primeira Liga Goal of the Month: February 2016
- UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI: 2020
FAQs
What is Diogo Jota’s full name?
His full name is Diogo José Teixeira da Silva.
Which clubs did Diogo Jota play for during his career?
Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid, FC Porto (loan), Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Liverpool FC.
When did Diogo Jota join Liverpool FC?
He joined Liverpool in September 2020.
How many goals did Diogo Jota score for Liverpool?
He scored 47 goals in 123 appearances for Liverpool.
What position did Diogo Jota primarily play?
He primarily played as a forward or left winger.
Did Diogo Jota represent Portugal internationally?
Yes, he represented Portugal at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2019.
What were some of Diogo Jota’s notable achievements?
He won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in 2019 and 2025 and the Premier League with Liverpool in 2025.
Was Diogo Jota involved in eSports?
Yes, he was an avid gamer, ranked world No. 1 in FIFA 21’s Champions Leaderboard, and owned an eSports team named Luna Galaxy.
Who was Diogo Jota married to?
He was married to Rute Cardoso in June 2025.
How did Diogo Jota pass away?
He tragically died in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025.
