Diogo Jota was a dynamic Portuguese footballer known for his sharp instincts, blistering pace, and knack for scoring crucial goals. Rising from humble beginnings at Paços de Ferreira to global recognition at Liverpool FC, he won multiple trophies and became a fan favorite for his relentless energy and versatility on the pitch.
Internationally, Jota proudly represented Portugal, contributing significantly in major tournaments like the UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup. His tragic death in a car accident in 2025 shocked the football community and led to an outpouring of tributes, remembering him not just as an elite athlete but as a devoted husband and father.
Personal Profile
Full Name: Diogo José Teixeira da Silva
Date of Birth: December 4, 1996
Age at Demise: 28 years
Place of Birth: Massarelos, Porto, Portugal
State of Origin: Porto District
Nationality: Portuguese
Profession: Professional Footballer (Forward / Winger)
Marital Status: Married
Wife’s Name: Rute Cardoso
Children: Three (Dinis, Duarte, and one daughter)
DOD: July 3, 2025
Cause of D£^th: Car accident in Zamora, Spain
Early Life and Education
Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, popularly known as Diogo Jota, was born on December 4, 1996, in Massarelos, a parish in the city of Porto, Portugal. His state of birth is Porto District, and his state of origin is also Porto, as both his parents and extended family hail from the region. Raised in a modest, working-class household, Jota’s early life was shaped by the values of humility, discipline, and perseverance instilled by his parents, Joaquim and Isabel Silva.
Jota’s father, Joaquim, worked for a crane company, while his mother, Isabel, was employed in a factory producing electronic components for automobiles. Despite financial constraints, they supported Diogo and his younger brother André Silva’s passion for football. The family lived in the quiet suburbs of Porto, where football was more than just a pastime, it was a way of life. Diogo’s love for the sport was nurtured by his father and grandfather, both of whom had played amateur football for local clubs.
At the age of nine, Diogo joined Gondomar Sports Club, a local team in the Porto District. His talent was evident from the start, and he quickly rose through the youth ranks. Coaches admired his natural finishing ability, tactical awareness, and relentless work ethic. He later moved to Paços de Ferreira’s academy in 2013, where he continued to develop his skills and prepare for professional football.
Education played a quieter role in Jota’s life, though it was never neglected. He attended Aguiar EB School in Gondomar, a basic education institution where both he and his brother were enrolled. Teachers and classmates remember him as a focused and respectful student who balanced academics with his growing football commitments. While he didn’t pursue higher education formally, Jota reportedly studied sports science later in life, reflecting his interest in understanding the game beyond the pitch.
Throughout his youth, Jota remained grounded. He never asked for branded football boots or flashy gear, understanding the sacrifices his parents made to keep him in training. His humility and maturity stood out, even as he began attracting attention from scouts and clubs. These traits would later define his professional demeanor and endear him to fans and teammates alike.
By the time he made his senior debut for Paços de Ferreira in 2014, Diogo Jota had already laid the foundation for a remarkable career. His early life and education in Porto shaped him into a resilient, intelligent, and emotionally grounded athlete. From the streets of Massarelos to the grand stadiums of Europe, Jota’s journey is a testament to the power of family, community, and quiet determination.
Personal Life
Diogo Jota’s personal life was defined by humility, loyalty, and a deep commitment to family. Born and raised in Porto, Portugal, he remained closely tied to his roots throughout his life. He met his wife, Rute Cardoso, during their teenage years at school in Porto, and their relationship blossomed quietly over more than a decade. They got married on June 22, 2025, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family, just days before his tragic passing.
Jota and Rute built a home grounded in love and stability. Together, they had three children: their first son, Dinis, born in 2021; a daughter in 2023; and their youngest son, Duarte, born in 2024. Despite the demands of professional football, Jota prioritized being present for his family. He often shared glimpses of their life on social media—celebrating milestones, enjoying vacations, and marking victories with his children by his side.
Away from the pitch, Jota was known for his quiet demeanor and thoughtful nature. He wasn’t drawn to nightlife or celebrity culture. Instead, he preferred spending time at home, playing video games, especially FIFA, and relaxing with his loved ones. He was also passionate about eSports and even founded his own gaming team, Luna Galaxy.
His kindness extended beyond his household. Jota was deeply respected by teammates and staff for his generosity and empathy. He once recorded a personal video message for a struggling young fan, a gesture that left a lasting impact. He also supported causes like women’s football and equal rights in sport, attending events and speaking publicly about the importance of representation.
Professionally, Jota was admired for his work ethic and team spirit. Personally, he was cherished for being genuine, grounded, and selfless. His final public message—a wedding video captioned “A day we will never forget”—now stands as a poignant reminder of the life he built and the love he shared. His legacy lives on not only in football but in the hearts of those who knew him as a devoted husband, father, and friend.
Career
Diogo Jota’s football career was a story of relentless ambition, technical brilliance, and quiet leadership. From his early days in Portugal to his rise as a Premier League star, Jota built a legacy defined by consistency, versatility, and a deep understanding of the game.
Early Professional Years: Paços de Ferreira (2014–2016)
Jota’s senior career began at Paços de Ferreira, a modest club in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. After joining their youth setup in 2013 from Gondomar SC, he was promoted to the first team in 2014. His debut came in a Taça de Portugal match against Atlético de Reguengos, where he impressed with his composure and movement.
In the 2014–15 season, Jota made his Primeira Liga debut and quickly became a standout performer. He scored his first league goals—a brace—against Académica de Coimbra, becoming the youngest player to score for the club in the top flight. Over two seasons, he made 41 appearances and scored 14 goals, earning a reputation as one of Portugal’s brightest young talents.
Transition to Atlético Madrid and Loan to FC Porto (2016–2017)
In March 2016, Jota signed a five-year contract with Atlético Madrid, but he never played a competitive match for the Spanish giants. Instead, he was loaned to FC Porto for the 2016–17 season. This move proved pivotal.
At Porto, Jota showcased his attacking prowess, scoring 8 goals in 27 league appearances. His standout moment came in October 2016 when he netted a first-half hat-trick against Nacional. He also scored in the UEFA Champions League, helping Porto to a 5–0 win over Leicester City. His performances in Portugal’s top tier and Europe confirmed his readiness for a bigger stage.
Breakthrough in England: Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017–2020)
Jota joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan in July 2017, reuniting with several Portuguese players under manager Nuno Espírito Santo. He adapted quickly to the physical demands of the EFL Championship, scoring 17 goals in 44 matches and helping Wolves win the league and secure promotion to the Premier League.
In 2018, Wolves made the move permanent for a reported €14 million. Over the next two seasons, Jota became a key figure in Wolves’ attack. He scored 16 Premier League goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Leicester City in January 2019. That performance made him only the second Portuguese player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score a Premier League hat-trick.
Jota also made his mark in Europe. In the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League, he scored back-to-back hat-tricks against Beşiktaş and Espanyol, underlining his ability to perform on the continental stage. He ended his Wolves career with 131 appearances and 44 goals, leaving as one of the club’s most influential modern players.
Rise to Stardom: Liverpool FC (2020–2025)
In September 2020, Jota signed for Liverpool FC for a reported fee of £41 million, potentially rising to £45 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his Premier League debut against Arsenal and quickly becoming a fan favorite.
His first season saw him score 9 league goals, despite missing three months due to injury. He also netted a Champions League hat-trick against Atalanta, joining an elite group of Portuguese players to achieve the feat. Jota’s ability to play across the front line made him a vital asset in Jürgen Klopp’s system.
In the 2021–22 season, Jota helped Liverpool win both the FA Cup and League Cup, scoring in penalty shootouts in both finals. He also played in the Champions League final, where Liverpool narrowly lost to Real Madrid. His performances earned him praise for his tactical intelligence and clinical finishing.
Jota continued to deliver in the following seasons. In 2023–24, he contributed to Liverpool’s League Cup triumph, and in 2024–25, he played a crucial role in securing the Premier League title, scoring 9 goals across all competitions. His final tally for Liverpool stood at 182 appearances and 65 goals, a remarkable record for a player who often rotated with other forwards.
International Career: Portugal (2019–2025)
Jota made his senior debut for Portugal in November 2019, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in a UEFA Euro qualifier. He quickly became a regular, scoring his first international goal in a 4–1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.
He represented Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2020, FIFA World Cup 2022, and UEFA Euro 2024, contributing with goals and assists. His most notable achievement came in 2025, when he helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League for the second time. He earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals, becoming a respected figure in the national setup.
Latest News
Jota’s career was tragically cut short on July 3, 2025, when he died in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother, André Silva. At the time, he was preparing for preseason training with Liverpool and had just married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso.
Despite his untimely passing, Jota’s legacy endures. He was a player who combined technical excellence with humility and professionalism. His journey from the streets of Porto to the heights of European football inspired countless young athletes. Clubs, teammates, and fans continue to honor his memory, recognizing him not only as a gifted footballer but as a beloved human being.
From Paços de Ferreira to Anfield, Diogo Jota’s career was a testament to hard work, adaptability, and quiet brilliance. His impact on the pitch and in the hearts of those who knew him will never be forgotten.
Diogo Jota FAQs
Who was Diogo Jota?
A Portuguese footballer born in Porto, known for his pace, finishing, and versatility. He played for Paços de Ferreira, Wolves, and Liverpool.
Did Diogo Jota play for Liverpool?
Yes. He joined Liverpool in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
How did Diogo Jota die?
He died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, alongside his brother André Silva.
Why is he called ‘Jota’?
“Jota” is the Portuguese pronunciation of the letter “J.” He used it to stand out from other players named Diogo Silva.
Was Diogo Jota married?
Yes. He married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22, 2025. They had three children.
Did he play for Portugal?
Absolutely. He earned 49 caps, scored 14 goals, and won the UEFA Nations League twice (2019 & 2025).