Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies in car crash

KATHMANDU: Liverpool and Portugal footballer Diogo Jota has tragically passed away at the age of 28 following a fatal car crash in northwestern Spain.

The accident occurred in the early hours of July 3, when the vehicle he was traveling in veered off the highway and caught fire.

Jota was accompanied by his younger brother André, also a professional footballer. Sadly, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragic incident happened just days after Jota’s wedding, where he celebrated with his wife and their three young children.

Known for his humble nature and relentless drive on the pitch, Jota had become a fan favorite since joining Liverpool in 2020.

He scored 47 goals in 123 appearances for the club and played a key role in their recent domestic and international successes.

For the Portugal national team, he earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals, contributing to their UEFA Nations League triumph and participating in major international tournaments.

News of Jota’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. Clubs, teammates, and fans around the globe are mourning the untimely loss of a talented player and a beloved individual.

More details of Jota

From the narrow streets of Massarelos to the roaring stands of Anfield, Portuguese international Diogo Jota has carved an impressive football journey marked by pace, precision, and perseverance.

Born on December 4, 1996, Jota began his youth career at Gondomar SC before moving to Paços de Ferreira, where he broke into professional football during the 2014–15 season. His breakthrough came the following year with 14 goals in Portugal’s top flight, attracting the attention of Atlético Madrid, who signed him in March 2016.

Despite never making a competitive appearance for Atlético, Jota’s potential was clear. He was loaned to FC Porto for the 2016–17 season, where he netted 9 goals and gained valuable UEFA Champions League experience.

In 2017, his path took a decisive turn as he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves), initially on loan. Under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, Jota helped the club win the EFL Championship, scoring 17 goals in the campaign. Wolves secured his services permanently, and he went on to score crucial goals in the Premier League and Europa League, including a memorable hat-trick against Espanyol in 2020.

Jota’s performances earned him a big-money move to Liverpool FC in September 2020, in a deal worth around £41 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his Premier League debut and recording a Champions League hat-trick against Atalanta just weeks later.

Although his Liverpool journey has included injury spells, Jota has become a trusted asset under both Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot, known for his relentless pressing, sharp movement, and clutch goal-scoring ability. He has helped Liverpool secure the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022, and featured in the 2022 Champions League final.

Internationally, Jota debuted for Portugal in 2019 and has since represented the nation at Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2024, scoring in key qualification and tournament matches. As of mid-2025, he has over 35 caps for the national team.

Jota recently signed a contract extension with Liverpool, tying him to the club until 2027. With more than 200 career club appearances and over 75 goals across all competitions, he continues to be one of Portugal’s most dependable attacking forces.

From a promising teenager at Paços to a star forward at Liverpool, Diogo Jota’s rise is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and elite-level ambition.