The football community continues to grieve the tragic loss of former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday on 4 December 2025. Jota, alongside his brother Andre Silva, died in a car accident in northern Spain earlier this year, a devastating event that sent shockwaves through the sport.
A Bond Forged at Anfield
Among the most moving tributes marking the poignant date came from Caoimhin Kelleher, Jota's former teammate and self-described closest friend at Liverpool. The Irish goalkeeper, now at Brentford, penned a deeply personal and emotional message, revealing the extent of their off-pitch camaraderie.
Kelleher expressed his devastation, stating he found it hard to put his feelings into words. He extended his condolences to Jota's wife, Rute, their three children, and the wider family. The pair shared five successful seasons at Anfield from 2020 to 2025, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, and reaching the Champions League final in 2022.
Shared Passions and Lasting Memories
In his tribute, Kelleher recalled the simple joys of their friendship. He highlighted how they bonded over watching any sport they could find, often tuning into Andre Silva's matches on an iPad. Kelleher was surprised by the Portuguese star's love for darts, snooker, and horse racing, noting that some of his best memories were laughing together while watching these events.
"You were such a fun, genuine, normal down to earth and loving family man and always very competitive," Kelleher wrote. "I'm gonna miss our pre-match programme quiz." He also described feeling blessed to have attended Jota's wedding, calling it one of his happiest days and a memory he would never forget.
A Friendship Confirmed
The depth of their bond was publicly acknowledged by Jota himself in 2024. When asked about his closest friendships in the Liverpool dressing room, Jota immediately named Caoimhin Kelleher, citing their ritual of competing in the matchday programme quiz as a key part of their pre-game routine.
Kelleher's heartfelt words underscore how profoundly Jota was valued, not just as a talented footballer but as a beloved friend and family man. The tribute serves as a raw and powerful reminder of the personal connections that exist behind the professional facade of top-level sport. As Kelleher poignantly concluded, the loss will hurt for a long time, but he feels lucky to have known such a good friend.
