The football world is heartbroken following the shocking news of the passing of one of the real generational talents in Diogo Jota. His journey from the streets of Porto to the bright lights of Anfield inspired millions. At only 28 years of age, Diogo Jota was one of the sharpest strikers at Liverpool and a name that was very popular among football fans.
A £45 million forward gave you more than just monetary value; he was a footballer who made a difference, whether that was our goals, with grit, or grace. The news of his passing in a tragic car accident has left a significant hole not just on the football pitch but in the hearts and minds of the followers, players, and punters whose every match he touched with his brilliance.
We at 96 sports join the universal football community in remembering the life, career, and legacy of a true football gem.
Early Life and Football Development
Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, commonly referred to as Diogo Jota, was born on 4 December 1996 in Porto, Portugal. He played football at a young age, joining Gondomar SC at nine years old. His instinctive goalscoring and natural footballing ability earned him a move to Paços de Ferreira, where he made his professional debut in 2014. In his first two years with Paços, Jota scored 13 goals in 47 appearances, resulting in a strong interest from many European clubs.
Career Timeline and Club Achievements
Atlético Madrid and Loan to Porto (2016–17)
In 2016, Jota signed for Atlético Madrid, but he was never able to make it onto their first team fixtures. Jota was loaned to Porto, where he made 38 appearances, scoring 9 goals and assisting 7 times in the 2016–17 season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017–2020)
In 2017, Jota joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan and later transferred to Wolves on a permanent deal. Jota built a rapport with Wolves fans and scored a combined total of 44 goals in 131 appearances. Jota was instrumental in Hearts of Wolves fans and contributed significantly to their return to the Premier League.
Liverpool FC (2020–2025)
Jota signed for Liverpool FC in September 2020 for around £45 million and quickly impressed as a principal character in Klopp’s side:
- 182 appearances
- 65 goals
- 26 assists
His key achievements with Liverpool include:
- Premier League Champion (2024–25)
- FA Cup Winner (2021–22)
- EFL Cup Winner (2021–22, 2023–24)
Jota came off the bench or started for Jota was known for producing game-changing moments.
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International Career with Portugal
Jota made his debut for the Portugal national team in 2019 and quickly made himself a regular part of the team. He played 49 matches and scored 14 goals, and competed in major international tournaments including:
- UEFA Euro 2020
- FIFA World Cup 2022
- UEFA Nations League Champion (2019 and 2025)
Usually played as a second striker and left forward, he played alongside star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes with his intelligent movement and pressing.
Personal Life: Wife, Children and Brother
In June 2025, Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom they share three children. The couple had been together for over a decade after starting their relationship in their teenage years in Porto. Outside of soccer, Jota was very grounded, private, and family-oriented.
Jota’s younger brother, André Silva, was also a professional soccer player who played as a midfielder for the Portuguese club Penafiel. The two were close brothers on and off the field.
Career Figures
Diogo Jota made 47 appearances and scored 18 goals for Paços de Ferreira and 38 appearances with 9 goals for FC Porto. He made 131 appearances and scored 44 goals for Wolverhampton Wanderers. His most prolific period was with Liverpool, where he scored 65 goals in 182 matches. Suffice it to say, he scored over 136 club goals and was an important assist as well (60+ assists). Additionally, he made 49 senior international appearances, scoring 14 goals, and winning 2 Nations League Championships for Portugal.
The Unthinkable: 3 July 2025
On 3 July 2025, Diogo and his brother André tragically died in a car accident on the A-52 highway that links Zamora to Leon in Spain. There was a tire failure on their Lamborghini, losing control, exiting the highway (central guard rail) and subsequently catching fire. Emergency services and medical services arrived quickly, but both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The shocking and saddening news prompted immediate tributes from:
- Liverpool FC
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- FC Porto
- Portuguese Football Federation
- Fans and players around the world.
A moment of silence was held in stadiums across Europe, and Portugal’s Women’s Euro side even dedicated their fixture in honour of Jota.
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Playing Style of Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota was playing as a forward on the left wing, right wing, and centre-forward. He was a modern, versatile forward. He could finish clinically inside the box in quick, decisive moments and was a relentless pressing machine. For Diogo Jota, the clock dialled up each game, especially in high-tempo matches in training under Klopp. His quick and explosive acceleration made him lethal in counterattacks. His ability to exploit and manipulate tight spaces, along with his intelligent movement without possession, would often unlock defences, making him a fantastic prospect for live betting markets available on 96.com.
At the 96 official website, we do not just give odds, we give perspective. The passing of Diogo Jota is a tragic reflection on the human elements of the stories behind the numbers, but his legacy will live on, in goals that will be relieved, in matches that will be reminisced upon, and the betting moments he generated.
