Doctor Shares Diogo Jota’s Last Hours Before Tragic Crash That Shocked the World

The world of football was left reeling on July 3, 2025, when news broke of the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, alongside his younger brother Andre Silva, in a horrific car accident in northern Spain. At just 28 years old, Jota was at the peak of his career, having recently celebrated a Premier League title with Liverpool and a Nations League triumph with Portugal. His sudden passing, only days after his fairytale wedding, has sent shockwaves through the global sports community, leaving fans, teammates, and loved ones grappling with an unimaginable loss. Now, the physiotherapist who worked closely with Jota in his final hours has shared a poignant account of the footballer’s last moments, shedding light on the heartbreaking twist of fate that led to the catastrophe.

A Star on the Rise

Diogo Jota, born Diogo Silva on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, was a name synonymous with grit, talent, and determination. After adopting the moniker “Jota” to carve his own identity in the football world, he rose through the ranks to become one of Portugal’s brightest stars. Joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for €44.7 million, Jota quickly became a fan favorite at Anfield, known for his clinical finishing and relentless work rate. Over five seasons, he made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists. His contributions were pivotal in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League triumph, where he netted six goals in 26 matches. Internationally, Jota was a key figure in Portugal’s back-to-back Nations League titles, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain in June 2025.

Off the pitch, Jota was a devoted family man. On June 22, 2025, he married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, in a heartfelt Catholic ceremony at São Cosme chapel near his hometown of Porto. The couple, who had been together since their teenage years, shared three young children. Just hours before his tragic accident, Jota posted a touching video on Instagram, calling Rute “the most wonderful woman in the world” and declaring himself “the luckiest man” to be her husband. Rute’s response, “My dream has come true,” captured the joy of their new chapter—making the events that followed all the more devastating.

A Fateful Decision

Jota’s final journey began on the evening of July 2, 2025, as he and his brother Andre, a 26-year-old footballer, set out from Porto to drive to Santander, Spain. Their plan was to catch a Brittany Ferries service to Plymouth, England, where Jota was due to rejoin Liverpool for pre-season training. The decision to travel by road and sea, rather than by air, was not a casual one. Jota had recently undergone surgery for a collapsed lung, a condition known as pneumothorax, which had plagued him for months. His physiotherapist, Dr. Miguel Goncalves, advised against flying due to the risk of cabin pressure exacerbating his condition. Determined to prioritize his health and adhere to medical advice, Jota opted for the eight-hour drive to Santander, accompanied by Andre, who chose to join his brother for the journey.

Dr. Goncalves, who had been working closely with Jota to ensure his recovery, spoke with the brothers at 8:30 p.m. on July 2, just hours before the tragedy. In an emotional interview with Portuguese outlet Record, Goncalves described Jota as “professional and cautious,” noting that the footballer was in high spirits and optimistic about his recovery. “Diogo was feeling good, no pain, and was excited for the new season,” Goncalves recalled. “He told me they’d stop at a hotel in Burgos to rest, avoiding the heat of the day. Andre was a wonderful companion, always there for his brother.” The doctor emphasized that there was no trace of alcohol or reckless behavior, debunking rumors of partying. “Diogo was disciplined. He was focused on getting back to Liverpool for a check-up on July 7,” he added.

The Tragic Accident

The brothers were driving a Lamborghini Huracan, a high-performance supercar valued at approximately £180,000, capable of reaching speeds up to 325 km/h. At around 12:35 a.m. on July 3, 2025, on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora—just 16 kilometers from the Portuguese border—disaster struck. According to preliminary police reports, the vehicle suffered a tire blowout while attempting to overtake another car. The Lamborghini veered out of control, careened off the road, flipped multiple times, and erupted into flames, igniting nearby vegetation. Emergency services, including firefighters, medical personnel, and police from Castilla y León, rushed to the scene, but the inferno was too intense. Both Diogo and Andre perished at the scene, their identities later confirmed through the car’s license plate due to the severity of the fire.

The aftermath was harrowing. A truck driver passing by captured footage of the blazing wreckage, a chilling testament to the violence of the crash. The investigation, led by Zamora’s Civil Guard, is ongoing, with authorities yet to determine who was driving at the time. The tire blowout remains the leading theory, though questions linger about the high-speed capabilities of the Lamborghini and the condition of the road. The tragedy’s proximity to the Portuguese border—just 10 miles away—added a cruel irony, as the brothers were so close to completing the first leg of their journey.

A World in Mourning

The news of Jota’s death sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing profound grief: “We are devastated by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with Diogo’s family, friends, and fans during this unimaginable loss.” The club announced that Jota’s number 20 shirt would be retired permanently, a tribute to his indelible impact. Outside Anfield, fans gathered in droves, leaving flowers, scarves, and messages of condolence. Many sang Liverpool’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” in tearful tribute. Remarkably, supporters of rival club Everton joined in, placing bouquets at Anfield in a rare show of unity.

Tributes poured in from across the globe. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s teammate and idol, shared a heartfelt message on social media: “Nothing makes sense anymore. We were just together in the national team jersey. My deepest condolences to your wife, children, and family. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre.” Other stars, including Lionel Messi, Rafael Nadal, and LeBron James, expressed their sorrow, while clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Napoli honored Jota with moments of silence. The Portuguese Football Federation and UEFA organized a minute’s silence before Portugal’s women’s team faced Spain at the 2025 Women’s European Championship, where players wore black armbands and held a banner in Jota’s memory.

A Family Shattered

The personal toll of the tragedy is incalculable. Rute Cardoso, now a widow just 12 days after her wedding, was photographed leaving the forensic institute in Zamora, supported by relatives as she struggled to walk. The image of her grief-stricken face captured the depth of her loss. Rute and Jota’s three children—a son who recently turned three, another young son, and a newborn daughter—face a future without their father. The couple’s love story, which began when they were 16, had been a beacon of stability in the chaotic world of professional sports. Rute’s quiet strength had anchored Jota through his career’s highs and lows, from his early days at Porto to his stardom at Liverpool.

The funeral for Diogo and Andre, held on July 5, 2025, at São Cosme chapel—the same venue as Jota’s wedding—drew hundreds of mourners. Close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves flew from the United States, where he had played in the FIFA Club World Cup, to attend. Former Portugal coach Fernando Santos and current manager Roberto Martinez were also present, alongside countless fans and locals from Porto. The ceremony, followed by a burial at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, was a somber reflection of a community united in grief. Porto’s residents lined the streets, many in tears, as the hearses passed.

A Legacy of Love and Resilience

Diogo Jota’s life was a testament to perseverance and passion. Despite his lung condition, he delayed surgery to compete in Portugal’s Nations League campaign, playing through discomfort to help secure the title. His decision to drive rather than fly was a final act of discipline, rooted in his commitment to his health and career. On the pitch, he was a warrior, embodying the spirit of Liverpool’s never-say-die ethos. Off it, he was a humble, family-oriented man who cherished his roots and gave back to his community.

The tragedy has sparked reflection on the fragility of life. Jota’s final Instagram post, filled with love for Rute and gratitude for his family, resonates as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment. For Liverpool, the loss of a key player is a blow, but the club’s decision to retire his number ensures his legacy endures. For Portugal, Jota’s absence leaves a void in a golden generation of talent. And for his family, the pain of his absence is a wound that may never fully heal.

As investigations continue and the football world mourns, Diogo Jota’s story remains one of brilliance cut short. His physiotherapist’s words echo as a final tribute: “Diogo was a professional to the end, with a brother who loved him dearly.” In the hearts of fans, teammates, and loved ones, Jota’s memory will live on—a star whose light burned brightly, even in its fleeting time.