The football world was left reeling on July 3, 2025, when news broke of the tragic passing of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in northern Spain. The 28-year-old Portuguese forward, known for his electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and infectious personality, was returning to England for pre-season training when a suspected tyre blowout caused his Lamborghini to veer off the A-52 road and burst into flames. The loss sent shockwaves through the sport, with tributes pouring in from fans, players, and clubs across the globe. Among those most deeply affected was James Milner, the veteran midfielder who shared a close bond with Jota during their three years together at Liverpool. In a recent interview with The Athletic, Milner revealed a haunting detail: the night before Jota’s death, the two exchanged messages, with Jota sharing five enigmatic words that have since left Milner—and the footballing community—grappling with their meaning. Were they a premonition, a secret, or simply a goodbye? This article delves into the profound connection between Milner and Jota, the context of those mysterious words, and the enduring legacy of a player whose light was extinguished far too soon.

A Bond Forged at Anfield

James Milner and Diogo Jota may have seemed an unlikely pair. Milner, the grizzled English veteran, was 34 when Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 for £41 million. Jota, a dynamic Portuguese forward 11 years his junior, brought a different energy to the squad. Yet, as Milner shared in his emotional tribute, their differences—nationality, age, and playing style—only strengthened their friendship. “We were only together at Liverpool for three seasons, and you might not have thought we had much in common,” Milner told The Athletic. “But we hit it off immediately. Maybe it was because we were both so stubborn.”

Their bond was built on mutual respect and shared moments both on and off the pitch. Milner, a consummate professional known for his work ethic and versatility, admired Jota’s relentless drive and ability to deliver in clutch moments. Jota, in turn, appreciated Milner’s leadership and dry sense of humor. The two played together in 71 matches, winning the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, and reaching a Champions League final. Off the field, their friendship deepened through playful banter and shared interests, including Jota’s well-documented love for video games, which inspired his iconic “PlayStation celebration.” Milner recalled winding each other up, their “stubborn nature” leading to countless laughs in the Liverpool dressing room.

The Tragic Night and the Final Message

On the evening of July 2, 2025, Milner and Jota exchanged messages, a routine check-in between friends. “Nothing major, just checking in and asking each other how things were going,” Milner recounted. But within that exchange, Jota shared five words that Milner has kept private, their weight growing heavier in the wake of the tragedy. The next day, Jota and his brother André, driving back to England after Jota’s minor lung surgery in Portugal, were involved in the fatal crash. The news hit Milner at Brighton’s training ground, leaving him in disbelief. “Someone asked, ‘Is that true?’ and I didn’t know at that point,” he said. “I messaged someone at Liverpool to try to find out and just… horrific. Not many tougher days than that.”

The football community was united in grief. Jota, a father of three who had married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso just 11 days prior, was mourned not only for his talent but for his warmth and humility. Liverpool retired his No. 20 shirt, and tributes poured in from teammates, rivals, and fans. A moment’s silence was held at all Premier League matches, with players wearing black armbands and Liverpool adopting a “Forever 20” emblem for the 2025-26 season.

The Enigmatic Words: A Puzzle Unraveled

The five words Jota shared with Milner have sparked intense speculation. Milner has chosen not to disclose them publicly, a decision that has only deepened their mystique. Were they a premonition of the tragedy to come? A personal secret shared between friends? Or simply a heartfelt goodbye from a man unaware of his fate? Without the exact words, we can only piece together their possible meaning through the lens of Jota’s character and the context of their friendship.

Jota was known for his introspective side, often reflecting on life beyond football. His former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain, Conor Coady, described him as “a fantastic human being, an amazing friend, an amazing husband, an amazing father, and an absolutely incredible footballer.” This suggests Jota may have been contemplating his recent life milestones—his marriage, his children, or his recovery from surgery. The words could have been a poignant reflection, perhaps something like, “Family is everything, isn’t it?” or “Life’s too short, my friend.” Such sentiments would align with Jota’s grounded nature and the emotional weight Milner ascribes to the message.

Alternatively, the words might have carried a playful tone, consistent with their banter-filled relationship. Jota’s love for gaming was legendary—he was so skilled that he once competed in professional FIFA tournaments. Could the words have been a cheeky challenge, like “Beat me at FIFA yet?” or “Triangle button wins every time”? Milner’s mention of their “stubborn nature” suggests Jota might have been teasing him, perhaps referencing their ongoing rivalry over video games or training ground antics.

The most haunting possibility is that the words were a premonition. Jota, advised against flying due to his recent surgery, chose to drive across Spain with his brother. The decision, while medically prudent, placed him on the ill-fated A-52 road. Could he have had an inkling of danger, perhaps expressing unease with words like “Wish me luck tomorrow, mate”? While there’s no evidence Jota foresaw the tragedy, the human tendency to search for meaning in loss fuels such speculation. Milner’s reticence to share the words suggests they carry a deeply personal significance, perhaps too raw to reveal.

Milner’s Tribute: Wearing No. 20

In the wake of Jota’s passing, Milner sought to honor his friend in a tangible way. When Brighton teammate Carlos Baleba decided to switch from No. 20 to No. 17 for the 2025-26 season, Milner saw an opportunity. “Once I heard Carlos was looking to change his number and 20 was available, I wanted to do it as a mark of respect and pay tribute to Diogo Jota,” he said. “He was an amazing player who I was fortunate to play with and a great friend as well. It will be a great honour to wear his number in the Premier League this year.”

The decision was more than symbolic. Milner, who had worn No. 6 at Brighton since joining from Liverpool in 2023, embraced the No. 20 as a daily reminder of Jota. On August 31, 2025, he took this tribute further, scoring a penalty against Manchester City and replicating Jota’s “PlayStation celebration”—a nod to his friend’s love for gaming. The moment was bittersweet, marred briefly by Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith mistaking it for Erling Haaland’s celebration, prompting backlash from fans. Milner clarified, “Obviously Jots meant so much to everyone. It is an honour to wear his number this season.”

Milner’s gesture resonated deeply. Liverpool fans on Reddit lauded him as a “bona fide modern great,” with one user noting, “Once a Red, always a Red… much love and respect to our Millie. YNWA.” Another highlighted Jota’s impact, stating, “Only four players had a better minutes-per-goal ratio in the Premier League since 2021/22. Underrated legend.”

The Funeral and Collective Grief

Milner was among the many who traveled to Gondomar, Portugal, for Jota and André’s funeral on July 5, 2025. The service, held in the same church where Jota had married Rute Cardoso days earlier, was attended by footballing luminaries including Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, and Bruno Fernandes. The outpouring of grief underscored Jota’s universal appeal. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez spoke of the nation’s unity: “We are Portugal, and it was essential for us that with André Silva and Diogo Jota, we are together and their spirit will be with us forever.”

For Milner, the funeral was a chance to support Jota’s family. “I was privileged to be able to go to the funeral and pay my respects with the other lads and to spend a small amount of time with his wife and his family,” he said. The experience left an indelible mark, reinforcing his commitment to honor Jota’s memory.

Jota’s Legacy: Forever 20

Diogo Jota’s legacy extends beyond his 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool or his contributions to their 2024-25 Premier League title, FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. He was a player who connected with people—teammates, fans, and even gaming communities—through his authenticity. His “video game celebration,” mimicking a PlayStation controller, became a symbol of his joyfulness, a trait that endeared him to all.

Liverpool’s decision to retire the No. 20 shirt ensures Jota’s place in the club’s history. The “Forever 20” emblem, worn by the squad throughout the 2025-26 season, serves as a constant reminder of his impact. Plans for a memorial sculpture at Anfield and Jota’s induction into Wolves’ Hall of Fame further cement his legacy.

The Unanswered Question

The five words Jota shared with Milner remain a mystery, their significance locked in the heart of a grieving friend. They may have been a casual remark, a profound sentiment, or an unwitting farewell. What is clear is their impact on Milner, who carries them as he carries Jota’s No. 20. “I loved the guy, absolutely loved him,” Milner said. “Every day when I put my kit on, I’ll think of him.”

For fans and observers, the words invite reflection on life’s fragility and the bonds that define us. Jota’s passing, at the height of his career and personal life, reminds us to cherish those connections. Whether his words were a premonition, a secret, or a goodbye, they encapsulate a friendship that transcended the game—a friendship that, like Jota’s memory, will never fade.

Conclusion

James Milner’s tribute to Diogo Jota—through his shirt number, his goal celebration, and his heartfelt words—reflects the depth of their bond and the profound loss felt by the footballing world. The five enigmatic words Jota shared on that fateful night may never be fully understood, but they serve as a poignant reminder of his spirit. As Milner continues his remarkable career, now in its 24th Premier League season, he carries Jota’s memory with every step, ensuring that the Portuguese star remains “Forever 20” in the hearts of all who knew him.