Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, widely known as Diogo Jota, was a celebrated Portuguese professional footballer born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal.
Tragically, he passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 28, in a car accident in northern Spain along with his brother, André Silva, who was also a professional footballer.
Biography and Football Career
Jota began his football journey with his local club Gondomar before moving to Paços de Ferreira, where he first made his mark. His promising talent led him to Atlético Madrid in 2016, followed by loan spells at FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. After helping Wolves gain promotion to the Premier League, he joined them permanently in 2018 for around €14 million. His time at Wolves was marked by 131 appearances and 44 goals.
In 2020, Jota transferred to Liverpool FC for a reported £41 million. Over five seasons, he played 182 games and scored 65 goals, playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s successes, including winning the Premier League title in the 2024–25 season, one FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. Known for his clinical finishing, explosive pace, and dribbling skills, Jota was a versatile forward and left winger.
Internationally, Jota represented Portugal at various youth levels before making his senior debut in November 2019. He earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for the national team. He was part of the squads for the 2020 and 2024 European Championships and the 2022 World Cup. Jota also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League twice, in 2019 and 2025, playing alongside his childhood idol Cristiano Ronaldo12.
Diogo Jota Cause of Death
On July 3, 2025, Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva died in a devastating car crash near Zamora, Spain. The accident occurred when the tire of Jota’s Lamborghini SUV burst while overtaking another vehicle, causing the car to skid off the road and catch fire.
The brothers were alone in the vehicle, traveling eastward to catch a ferry to the UK for Jota’s pre-season training. Jota had recently undergone lung surgery, which prevented him from flying, explaining the choice of road and ferry travel.
Personal Life: Marriage, Children, Family, and Friends
Just ten days before his death, Diogo Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in a beautiful and intimate ceremony held in Porto on June 22, 2025. The couple had been together for over a decade, having met as teenagers in 2013. Rute was a constant support throughout Jota’s career, moving countries with him and raising a family together.
The couple had three children: two sons, Dinis (born 2021) and Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024. Their wedding was a joyful occasion attended by close family and friends, with touching moments captured, such as Jota holding his youngest child before signing the marriage register.
Jota was known not only for his football talent but also for his warm personality and close bonds with family and teammates. His friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo, who expressed deep sorrow at his passing, highlights the respect he earned in the football community
