What happened to Diogo Jota? Portugal to honor late star at World Cup

Portugal will pay tribute to Diogo Jota during their World Cup opener against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston. Jota, a key player for the national team, died in a car accident on July 3, 2025, along with his younger brother, André Silva. The incident occurred when their yellow Lamborghini lost control after a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, resulting in a crash and fire. Jota, 28 at the time of his death, had just married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, 11 days earlier and was a father of three. His passing shocked the football world, particularly Portugal’s squad, where he was a respected teammate and leader. The forward made 49 appearances for Portugal, including two UEFA Nations League titles, with his final game coming just a month before his death—a victory over Spain in the 2024 final. Before joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota played for Wolves, where he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances across all competitions. At Liverpool, he contributed to wins in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Premier League. Portugal midfielder Rúben Neves, who played alongside Jota at Porto, Wolves, and internationally, will wear jersey number 21—a nod to Jota’s Portugal squad number. Neves described Jota’s memory as a source of strength for the team, saying they would draw inspiration from him during the tournament. The Portuguese team will carry Jota’s legacy onto the pitch, ensuring his impact on the sport is remembered beyond his tragic loss.