RIP Diogo Jota: The Natural Goalscorer Who Conquered the Premier League Mountain

Just weeks after celebrating his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, tragedy struck. Diogo Jota died in a car accident in Spain, aged only 28. His brother, Andre Silva, also a footballer, was killed in the crash.

Liverpool FC and the wider footballing world were plunged into mourning following the devastating news. Fans, teammates, and managers alike paid tribute to a player who had left a significant mark both on and off the pitch.

The prolific Portuguese forward was a natural finisher whose journey to Premier League glory was far from straightforward. His story is one of perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of a dream that began in his youth.

From Gondomar to Global Recognition

Raised in Portugal, Jota idolised Cristiano Ronaldo. Watching his hero shine at Euro 2004 ignited a fire within the young Jota. However, the road ahead was anything but easy. At 16, while many talented youngsters trained in elite academies, Jota was still paying to play for his local club, Gondomar.

Lacking the advantages of a major club’s development system, Jota had to battle his way to the top. His rise through the footballing ranks was a testament to his determination. That same drive saw him not only reach the Premier League but also lift the trophy during what turned out to be his final appearance for Liverpool.

“It’s something I could not even dream when I was a kid,” he said last month. “I wanted to play in the Premier League but I didn’t even imagine to win it, I just wanted to be there playing.

“It’s a moment I will cherish forever, like I said, because it’s a remarkable achievement.”

Moving Abroad: Atletico Madrid and the Roadblocks

Jota’s performances in Portugal earned him a move to Atletico Madrid in 2016. He had netted 12 times in the Primeira Liga in his second season with Pacos de Ferreira, catching the attention of the Spanish giants.

However, the transfer did not unfold as planned. Jota failed to make a senior appearance for Atletico and was instead sent out on loan twice. Those moves, however, proved crucial in shaping his career.

The turning point arrived when he was loaned to Porto under Nuno Espirito Santo for the 2016-17 season. A year later, Nuno took over at Wolves and brought Jota in on loan again. This reunion would change the trajectory of Jota’s professional life.

Promotion with Wolves and Premier League Breakthrough

At Wolves, Jota thrived. His loan deal became permanent, and he scored 18 goals to guide the club to the Championship title. His Premier League dream was finally realised.

In the following two seasons, he continued to impress, hitting double figures in all competitions. His performances caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp, who had long admired Jota’s tenacity and work rate.

Klopp later said he had wanted to sign the Portuguese international “because of how intense he was in all situations”. His then-assistant, Pep Lijnders, described Jota as a “pressing monster”.

A £40 Million Star at Anfield

Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a transfer exceeding £40 million. He quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield, admired for his intelligence, versatility, and lethal finishing. Jurgen Klopp, who signed him, hailed him as “a world-class striker”.

Comfortable using both feet, Jota could operate anywhere across the front line or in a deeper attacking role. His adaptability and pressing intensity fit seamlessly into Klopp’s high-octane style of play.

Jota’s professional journey began with Pacos de Ferreira, making his debut aged 17. Yet even that early step into top-flight football was not without obstacles. Ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, he had to withdraw from pre-season training due to a diagnosed heart condition.

“That was a difficult moment,” he told FourFourTwo in 2021. “It had the sort of impact that made me ask, ‘Will I be able to continue playing?’ But I always keep a positive mentality in those situations, trusting that everything was going to be all right.”

Success at Liverpool

Jota’s impact at Liverpool was instant. He quickly established himself as one of the club’s key attackers. Over time, he collected a number of major honours, including the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.

In 2022, Jota penned a new five-year contract with Liverpool. Speaking about his mindset, he said: “The hard thing is not to reach the top of the mountain but to stay there. That phrase makes a lot of sense, certainly to me. It is the hardest bit because you always have people who want to reach there for the first time. You can never let them have more will than you.”

His comments reflected his never-say-die attitude and the motivation that had driven him since those early days at Gondomar.

International Career with Portugal

On the international stage, Jota represented Portugal 49 times. He was a member of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League, further adding to his list of achievements.

His time with the national team was marked by consistent performances, but injuries too often disrupted his momentum. Nevertheless, in the 2021-22 season, he managed to play over 50 matches and scored 21 goals—an impressive tally by any standard.

Admired by Teammates and Fans Alike

Jota’s popularity extended beyond his on-field performances. He was known for his humility, professionalism, and positive influence in the dressing room.

Jurgen Klopp once remarked: “He is such a likeable person and so it is so easy to like him.”

Liverpool supporters appreciated his tireless work ethic, versatility, and knack for scoring crucial goals. Despite all his success, he remained grounded, never forgetting his modest beginnings.

Remembering Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota’s life and career will be remembered not just for the goals he scored or the titles he won, but for the incredible journey he took to reach the top. From the local pitches of Gondomar to the grand stage of the Premier League, he proved that dreams could be achieved through hard work and belief.

Reflecting on his remarkable path, Jota once said: “I think my journey shows that the secret is that you should never give up. You always have to keep striving for what you want to achieve.”

Despite Diogo’s passing, his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations to dream big and to work even harder to make those dreams a reality.

All of us here at EPLNews send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Diogo and Andre Silva.