The former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, always had a special ability to connect with the fans’ feelings. His words, spoken throughout his nine years at the helm of the club, resonated deeply, especially after the tragic news of the death of Diogo Jota and his brother. “This is a moment where I struggle,” Klopp wrote on social media. “There must be a greater purpose, but I can’t see it.” This sentiment has been shared by everyone associated with Liverpool and the world of football in general. The tragedy reminds us of another of Klopp’s wise reflections, spoken during the 2020 pandemic: “Football always seems the most important of the least important things.” The loss puts the triviality of sport into perspective. The emotion that the news has generated is a reminder of the unifying power of football. Outside Anfield stadium, tributes from Manchester United and Everton fans have been seen, demonstrating football’s ability to transcend rivalries. Diogo Jota represented two clubs with distinction, leaving his mark on history and in the hearts of the fans. At Wolves, Jota became an idol after arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2017, scoring 44 goals in 131 matches and being key in the promotion to the Premier League. In the season back in the Premier League, he scored three goals against Leicester City, becoming the second Portuguese, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to achieve a hat-trick in the top English category. In addition, he scored the winning goal against Manchester United, taking the Wolves to their first FA Cup semi-final in almost two decades.
Despite his good performance at Wolves, Jota arrived at Liverpool in September 2020, and his 45 million pound signing raised doubts. However, Jota soon proved his worth, scoring seven goals in his first 10 games, matching Robbie Fowler’s record. Under Klopp’s management, he became a key piece of one of Europe’s most formidable attacks, earning a place in the club’s history.
Fans at Anfield pay tribute to Diogo Jota.
In his five seasons at Liverpool, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 matches and won four major titles: two League Cups, an FA Cup and, above all, last season’s Premier League. He had the ability to stand out in important moments, such as in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal and by scoring the first goal of the Arne Slot era in the victory over Ipswich Town in August. His last goal for Liverpool, in April, helped Slot’s team secure a win in the Merseyside derby against Everton. Jota also had a successful international career with Portugal and was part of the team that won the UEFA Nations League last month. He scored 14 goals in 29 matches for his national team and, although he may not have had the same brilliance as other teammates, he was a highly valued member. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the first to pay tribute, writing on social media that Jota’s death “makes no sense.” While the sports world mourns player Diogo Jota, those who knew him best mourn husband, son, and father Diogo Jota. Jota, born and raised in Portugal, was an inspiration to many in his home country. In 2022, he returned to his childhood club to open a football academy in his name, a gesture to give back to the place where his journey began.Less than two weeks ago, the 28-year-old player married his childhood sweetheart and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony in Porto. In an Instagram post commemorating the occasion, the couple shared photos of their family with the caption: “Forever”.
During his time at Liverpool, Jota was honored with a chant from the fans to the tune of “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was regularly heard at Anfield and other stadiums in Europe, as a show of gratitude from the fans for a player they quickly adored. In the song, Jota is described as “a boy from Portugal”, a reminder of the man behind the extraordinary talent. For all that he gave to the millions of fans around the world, he will be remembered forever.
