Diogo Jota, whose career was tragically cut short in a fatal car accident, had recently shared the deep emotional significance behind his last goal for Liverpool.
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, lost their lives on July 3 in northern Spain when their Lamborghini veered off the road. The Portuguese forward had been returning to England in preparation for pre-season training after helping Liverpool secure the Premier League title the previous season.
That last goal, scored in April, came during the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield, sealing a crucial victory for Liverpool. In an interview recorded just weeks before his passing, Jota expressed his pride in being able to make such a meaningful contribution to Arne Slot’s team during a challenging campaign.
“It was a very tough season for me but I was always there fighting and I could help the team that day and I’m proud of what I could still do,” he said in the documentary titled “Champions 24-25: The Inside Story.” He added that moments like those are what drive his passion for football, explaining, “It’s hard to describe. That’s the feeling I look for when I play football, that’s why you put all your life and all your efforts to moments like that, moments where you can decide an important game.”
Jota, aged 28, had spent five seasons at Liverpool after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. During his time at the club, he lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Reflecting on his achievements, he said in the same documentary, “It is something I could not even dream as a kid, I wanted to play in the Premier League but I could never imagine to win it. Pictures that will be shown forever. It is a remarkable achievement for a small guy that came from Gondomar, where I had this dream.”
In tribute, Liverpool have retired his number 20 shirt and announced plans for a permanent sculpture in his honor outside Anfield. A mural depicting the forward already decorates a nearby building, serving as a lasting reminder of his impact both on and off the pitch.
What you should know
Diogo Jota was a Portuguese forward whose passion, determination, and talent earned him a celebrated place in Liverpool’s history.
His untimely death at 28 shocked the football world, but his legacy—marked by key goals, major trophies, and heartfelt connections with fans—will endure through tributes like his retired shirt number, a commemorative sculpture, and a mural near Anfield.
