The wave of grief felt across the football community following the death of Diogo Jota speaks volumes about how deeply admired he was. While his talent was undeniable and adored by supporters, teammates, and coaches alike, there was an even profounder quality about him that makes his passing so painful, even for those who didn`t know him personally.
This was perhaps best captured in an interview four years ago. His initial season at Liverpool was a success despite injuries, and his second saw him play a pivotal role as the Reds challenged for domestic honors and pushed for the Premier League and Champions League titles. Naturally, a player performing at such a high level was asked to reflect on the obstacles he overcame on his journey to stardom. After all, he was still playing for his local team, Gondomar, at 16, not earning a salary but on a sort of pay-to-play arrangement.
Instead of focusing on his own struggles, Jota chose to highlight others.
`I wasn’t paying, my parents were,` Jota told the BBC. `I remember that was the hardest thing for me, I could see their struggle to get the money into the club. I think that caused me a debt that I will never pay back. Obviously, I try to.`
This demonstrated a superstar who never forgot that his success was built as much on the support of others as on the remarkable talent he possessed. As Jurgen Klopp described him that same year, he was not just an “exceptional player” but an “exceptional boy” too.
Yet, Jota was also a player of breathtaking talent. Any defender in the Championship during Wolves` promotion season, when he would arrive at grounds like the City Ground or the Madejski and seemingly dismantle teams single-handedly, could attest to this. His thrilling blend of attributes was perfectly showcased in the last goal he scored for Liverpool – dancing past Idrissa Gueye with his right foot, taking one more touch to set himself, and unleashing a brilliant low drive that defeated Everton and propelled Arne Slot’s team forward with renewed belief. Jota had that crucial “clutch” gene: remember the equalizer at Old Trafford on his first visit as a Red, the last-minute winner against Tottenham, or how consistently he spoiled Arsenal`s day.
Such moments undoubtedly earn a player a special place in their supporters` hearts. But with Jota, it felt like there was more to it, something that compelled a Wolves fan to make a heartfelt pilgrimage to Anfield. Holding the badge on his old gold shirt, he told Hayters, “He wore his heart there. When he kissed the badge, you knew he meant it.”
Jota genuinely cared and he worked incredibly hard. There were never suggestions of frustration aired in the media when he lost his place in the starting lineup, nor any public attempts to engineer a transfer from Molineux to Anfield. When injuries struck, he would simply redouble his efforts, battling through muscle problems last year to make a significant impact for Liverpool during the crucial final part of the season. Think back to that final goal: the dribble and finish mesmerize you, but where did it originate? From the sheer diligence to throw himself into a high press tackle. A Portugal international with over 40 caps, a player with nothing left to prove in the sport, yet he consistently outworked his opponents.
While discussing statistics might seem inappropriate in the context of tragedy, Jota`s statistical profile reveals something fundamental about him. When Michael Edwards and the recruitment team identified the then-23-year-old, who had scored 16 Premier League goals, as someone capable of eventually integrating with the formidable trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah, they saw a player who consistently found himself in scoring positions, whose expected goals figures were destined to translate into actual output. Those numbers were a direct reflection of Jota`s character. He may not have been the biggest, strongest, or even the absolute fastest (although he certainly had explosive pace), but he would work harder than almost any other forward to get into positions where he could make a vital contribution to his team.
Assistant manager Pep Lijnders affectionately referred to him as a “pressing monster.” For all the attacking talent Portugal could call upon, the team always seemed better for Jota`s inclusion. Liverpool fans adored the lad from Portugal, singing that he was “better than Figo, don`t you know.” This admiration is no surprise, given how he always seemed to find time to connect with and support fans in need.
In his 28 years, Diogo Jota brought immeasurable joy to so many football fans. His death and that of his brother feel tragically cruel, coming just as he was beginning to fully embrace the joyful moments he deserved: winning the Premier League title, achieving more international honors with Portugal, and of course, his marriage to his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
His story should have continued, filled with more trophies for both Liverpool and Portugal. The next generation of footballers would undoubtedly have benefited immensely from Jota`s guidance and example. Yet, all these potential achievements pale into insignificance against the life he and Rute were building and so tragically lost.
Both on and off the pitch, Jota truly personified the sport at its very best. There was something in his approach, in the way he carried himself and performed his role, that earned widespread admiration. As his former Wolves and Portugal teammate Ruben Neves movingly stated, “They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Football will undoubtedly be a better place if others choose to follow Diogo Jota`s remarkable example.
