The global football community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Liverpool and Portugal forward, Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28.
The star began his football career at Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2016.
His untimely death comes shortly after a series of significant personal and professional milestones that captured his rising influence in both club and international football.
Here are five recent major events that marked Jota’s life before his passing:
1. Marriage to Rute Cardoso
On June 22, 2025—just ten days before the fatal accident—Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple shared a joyful ceremony with their three children, making it a cherished personal moment.
2. Premier League Title with Liverpool
Jota played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win in April 2025, making vital contributions that helped secure one of the club’s most prestigious domestic honors.
3. 100th Start for Liverpool
On October 5, 2024, Jota celebrated his 100th start for Liverpool in all competitions, marking the occasion with a goal against Crystal Palace. The milestone reflected his consistency and importance to the team.
4. UEFA Nations League Victory
In early June 2025, Jota was instrumental in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph, helping his team defeat Spain in the final—a major international accomplishment in his career.
5. Dual Career in Football and Esports
Known not just for his footballing skills, Jota also excelled in the esports arena. He achieved a world No. 1 ranking in FIFA (now EA FC) and ran his own esports team, Luna Galaxy. His gaming streams connected him with fans globally, showcasing his multi-faceted talents.
Jota’s passing is a profound loss to the sporting world, especially as he was in the midst of an extraordinary chapter both on and off the pitch.
6. His Last Post
His last Instagram post, shared just 18 hours before Mail Sport broke the news of his passing, featured a touching video of him and Cardoso exchanging wedding vows. The video was poignantly captioned: ‘A day we will never forget.’, Jota also posted on social media platform X for the final time five days ago to celebrate his new marriage, posting, ‘June 22, forever, ‘ with a series of wedding photos.