A Midfield Gem’s Eyes Close Forever
- Publish : 02:47:03 pm, Friday, 4 July 2025
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For nearly a decade, Diogo Jota emerged as a central figure in midfield for several clubs and the Portuguese national team. During this period, he clinched notable titles including the UEFA Nations League and the Premier League.
But fate had other plans for this 28-year-old prodigy. On Thursday (July 3), in a tragic road accident at Zamora, in Spain, Jota passed away along with his two siblings closing his eyes forever. As a result, this Portuguese star will no longer grace the midfield for Liverpool or Portugal.
Just a few days earlier, on June 22, Jota tied the knot with his longtime partner Ruth Cardoza in a formal wedding ceremony. The couple had two sons and a daughter. However, what began as a dreamlike family journey turned into a nightmare in less than two weeks a grief that his family may never overcome.
Born in the Portuguese city of Porto by the Atlantic coast, Jota chose football as his career in 2014. That year, he debuted for both the Portugal U-19 team and the Primeira Liga club Paços de Ferreira. He later represented the U-21 and U-23 national teams as well.
In 2016, he signed with Spanish giants Atlético Madrid. However, he was loaned to his hometown club FC Porto, where he scored eight goals in 27 matches.
The following season, Atlético sent Jota on loan to English club Wolverhampton Wanderers. His exceptional performance 17 goals in 44 matches convinced Wolves to sign him permanently. In the following years, he scored 16 goals and provided several assists in 67 appearances.
Jota’s stellar display at Wolves caught the eye of Liverpool, who brought him on board in 2020. It marked the golden era of his career. He played over a hundred matches for the All Reds, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, and finally, the Premier League title.
He also had the honor of playing alongside global football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix. At the UEFA Euro 2021, he scored a stunning goal against Germany at the Allianz Arena. Though Portugal exited the tournament early, that goal remains etched in fans’ memories.
In all, Jota played 49 matches for Portugal and was part of the squads that won the UEFA Nations League titles in 2021 and 2025. Combined with his club success, his short yet impactful career ensures that Diogo Jota will forever be remembered as a rare midfield gem in the pages of football history.
