In a heartbreaking update, it has been revealed that Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota made a final phone call to a close friend just hours before the tragic accident that ended his life and that of his brother.
The Final Hours and Tragic Accident
Diogo Jota died in the early hours of July 3, 2025. The former Reds forward was driving his Lamborghini Huracan back to England with his brother, Andre Silva, following a lung operation. Their journey ended in catastrophe when a tyre blowout occurred as they were overtaking on the route to the Santander ferry.
The vehicle skidded off the road and was subsequently engulfed in flames. Both Jota, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday just days later, and his brother Andre were killed. The tragedy was compounded by the fact Jota had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, a mere 11 days earlier, leaving behind a wife and three young children.
A Poignant Final Conversation
Shortly before the fatal journey, Jota held a private phone call with Alvaro Cerqueira, the president of his first club, Gondomar SC. Jota began his career with the Portuguese side at just nine years old, with his younger brother Andre following closely behind.
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper JN, Cerqueira shared the poignant details. "It was just after 10pm last night, we were on the phone and he was fine," he said. "We spoke almost every week, and I know he was going through a happy moment. When Diogo needed to train during the off-season, he would ask to come here."
Cerqueira remembered the brothers as "very humble people" whose loss leaves a huge void, noting that Andre would often train with Diogo at the club's facilities.
A Humble Hero Remembered
The news underscores the deep roots Jota maintained throughout his successful career. After eight years at Gondomar, he moved to Pacos de Ferreira in 2013, before spells at Atletico Madrid, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and ultimately Liverpool.
His character was fondly recalled by Monica Ferreira, owner of Aromas de Portugal, Jota's favourite coffee shop during his time in Wolverhampton. "He was a normal customer. Very polite, very humble... and very nice with everyone," she told Mirror Football. "Every time he could come to the coffee shop, he was coming with his wife. Everyone is devastated with the news."
Andre Silva, while not reaching the same professional heights as his brother, also showed early promise, having joined Porto's academy before Diogo left Gondomar. The brothers were laid to rest in their hometown of Gondomar, a community united in grief for its lost sons.
