Things to Know About Diogo Jota – From His Wedding to His Sudden Death

On July 3, 2025, the football world was hit with heartbreaking news — Diogo Jota, the talented Liverpool and Portugal forward, has died in a car crash at the young age of 28.

His death comes just days after what should have been one of the happiest moments of his life — his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso.

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, the tragic car accident happened in Zamora, Spain, and Jota was pronounced dead at the scene.

Who is Diogo Jota?

Diogo Jota’s full name was Diogo José Teixeira da Silva. He was born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal. From a young age, he showed great skill in football. He rose through the ranks of Portuguese football and went on to play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

He was right-footed, quick, and could play as a left winger, right winger, or center-forward.

Club Career Highlights

Jota began his professional career in Portugal and made a big move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. He impressed in the English Premier League, which led to his transfer to Liverpool FC on September 19, 2020.

At Liverpool, Jota became a key player under Jürgen Klopp. He was known for scoring big goals in important matches.

• Total club appearances: 398

• Total goals: 136

• Total assists: 66

• Premier League goals: 63 in 190 matches

• Champions League goals: 6

• Europa League goals: 9

Jota extended his Liverpool contract in August 2022, securing his stay at the club until 2027. As of May 2025, his market value was around €40 million, down from a peak of €60 million in 2021.

His Wedding – A Joyful Moment Before Tragedy

Just six days before his death, Diogo Jota married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso on June 28, 2025, in Porto, Portugal. The couple had been together for over a decade and shared a life with their two children.

Photos from the wedding showed Jota smiling with his wife and kids in a beautiful church ceremony. They posted on Instagram with the caption: “Yes to forever – June 28, 2025.”

His teammates, including Darwin Nunez, shared their love and support through social media.

The Accident – What We Know

Jota was reportedly traveling with his brother Andre, also a footballer, when the accident occurred on the A-52 highway in the Zamora province of Spain.

Emergency services confirmed that a car crash had taken place and that the vehicle caught fire. Both Diogo and his brother were declared dead on the scene.

The accident has sent shockwaves through the football world, especially because it happened so soon after Jota’s wedding.

Tributes and Legacy

Messages of sorrow and support poured in from fans, teammates, and clubs across the globe. His former and current teams, Porto, Wolves, and Liverpool, posted emotional tributes.

Diogo Jota will be remembered as a fearless forward, a dedicated teammate, and a loving family man. His journey from Porto to Premier League stardom inspired many young footballers.

He leaves behind a young family, a new bride, and a legacy of passion, talent, and determination.

Quick Facts About Diogo Jota

• Full Name: Diogo José Teixeira da Silva

• Date of Birth: December 4, 1996

• Date of Death: July 4, 2025

• Age: 28 years

• Clubs Played For: Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid, Porto, Wolves, Liverpool

• Position: Forward (Left Wing, Right Wing, Center-Forward)

• Wife: Rute Cardoso

• Children: 2

• Nationality: Portuguese