Two years ago, Diogo Jota was the hottest young forward in European football. Tragically, at the untimely age of 28, he died in Zamora. His unexpected passing is a profound loss to all who knew him. It echoes all the way back through the football community that rejoiced in his triumphs. Only days before his death, Jota had begun another period of transition in his life. In short order, he became a husband, completing one of those life transitions his family will never forget.
Jota’s rise through the beautiful game is truly a remarkable story filled with hard work and talent. Even before his 17-goal season in the title-winning Championship funhouse, his talent and potential were evident. Long before he ever achieved the lofty presence of professional football, he played for a lowly fourth division club. There, he was forced to pay monthly usage fees just to compete. Yet at only 16 years of age, Jota was still required to pay to play for his local club Gondomar. His passion for the sport he loved was contagious, and still is today.
Only 20 at the time, Jota had left a mark on fans that will be remembered forever. He netted an important fifth goal at the Estadio do Dragao which would only further secure his status with their fanbase. His life and career got a huge boost when he was offered a professional contract under then manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves). More personally, this club represented sentimental value as it had been his childhood favorite. He quickly became a well-known, beloved presence in the community. This was the case even after the writer’s uncle decided to move in next door to him!
Back in April, Jota gave one of the most dazzling performances we’ve ever witnessed. He netted the winning goal in the epic Merseyside derby against Everton. His influence was unquestionable. He certainly rubbed his name in the goals stats with a quickfire introduction against Nottingham Forest, equalising just 22 seconds after entering the fray from the dugout. These kinds of moments came to characterize his career and established him as a legendary clutch player.
After five seasons at Liverpool, Jota’s success was nothing short of incredible, winning every available title in English football. He scored a phenomenal 65 goals in only 182 appearances. Even the likes of Jamie Carragher were singing his praises when it came to his finishing, claiming he was “the best finisher at the club.”
Reflecting on his journey, Jota once admitted, “I probably did not believe that I could reach Liverpool.” His journey was an uphill battle to say the least. Most of all, unlike the majority of his contemporaries, he hadn’t graduated as a teenager from the famed academies at Benfica, Sporting or Porto. Rather, he began to earn such backing only after moving to Pacos de Ferreira in 2013.
I had a lot of experience trials there but I never lasted. I was one of the good ones, but never the best,” Jota remembered. He celebrated his low-growing roots and highlighted the struggles that marked his youth. He acknowledged the support from his family during those formative years, stating, “It was not me paying, it was my parents.”
Even with all of his accolades, Jota’s hunger for improvement was visible throughout all stages of his life. His former coach Vasco Seabra noticed an oddity. You’d think the elite players wouldn’t be open to hearing that you need to offer for a ball in here or do better on this aspect. You’d be wrong, it’s not because they’re that good where you can just concede their play. It is the opposite. The top players know very well that they’re humble and want to learn. This chip on his shoulder ultimately led Jota to outperform the odds historically against him.
Beyond football, Jota relished the uncomplicated life away from the field. He once expressed his enthusiasm for gaming: “I am waiting for FIFA 23 to come out. I just love that game.” That goofy, fun-loving side of him made him even more likable to fans and teammates.
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