The football world woke up to devastating news: Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s striker, passed away in a tragic car accident alongside his brother André, also a footballer, in the early hours of Thursday in Cernadilla, Zamora. The loss of the Portuguese player, only 28 years old, has caused deep sorrow across the globe, especially among those who shared the pitch with him. One of the most affected was Raúl Jiménez, who partnered with Jota for several seasons at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Raúl Jiménez’s farewell message

Through his social media, the Mexican forward shared a photo of him and Jota during their time at the Wolves, accompanied by a heartfelt message:
"It’s hard to receive this kind of news and I still can’t believe it. An excellent teammate, friend, and above all, a great father. Thank you for everything, my friend — we’ll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P."

Jiménez’s words moved fans, who quickly began sharing memories of the two strikers, who formed one of the Premier League’s most effective duos during the 2018–2019 season.

A career built on effort and talent

Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, better known as Diogo Jota, was born on December 4, 1996, in Massarelos, near Porto. His career began in the youth ranks of Paços de Ferreira, where he showed great goal-scoring ability from a young age. After a brief stint at Atlético Madrid — where he never made his debut — he was loaned to Porto and then to Wolverhampton, where he truly showcased his talent.

At Wolves, his partnership with Raúl Jiménez helped the team qualify for European competition for the first time in nearly 40 years. Small, quick, and surprisingly strong in the air, Jota scored over 40 goals before signing for Liverpool in 2020. With the Reds, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Community Shield, scoring 65 goals in 185 matches.

A loss that shakes world football

The fatal accident occurred when the car carrying Diogo and his brother veered off the road — reportedly due to a tire blowout — and caught fire. Emergency services confirmed both brothers had died at the scene.

Several clubs, including Wolverhampton, issued statements. "Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates, and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created here will never be forgotten," said the club.

Recently married and a father of three, Diogo Jota left a legacy not only as a footballer but as a human being. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him. Raúl Jiménez’s tribute is just one reflection of the lasting impact Jota had on his teammates’ lives.