Diogo Jota passed away on July 3 after car accident in Spain
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Diogo Jota’s physiotherapist reveals the Liverpool star’s final hours before the tragic car crash that killed him and his brother Andre, denying party rumours and detailing his plans to return to England for recovery.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota died alongside his younger brother Andre in a horrific crash on a Spanish motorway just hours after spending dinner with his respiratory physiotherapist. The 28-year-old footballer, who had delayed surgery for a collapsed lung to help Portugal win the Nations League, was returning to England by road and ferry after being advised not to fly due to health concerns.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Thursday morning on the A-52 near Zamora, about 10 miles from the Portuguese border. The 180,000-pound acid green Lamborghini Huracan the brothers were travelling in reportedly suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, rolled, and burst into flames.

Final Hours: “Jota Was Excited, Confident, Enthusiastic”

Respiratory physiotherapist Miguel Goncalves, who was working with Jota following a pneumothorax—commonly known as a collapsed lung—shared a heartbreaking account of their final interaction.

“I said goodbye to him and his brother, Andre, at around 8:30 p.m.,” Goncalves told Portuguese outlet Record. “His brother was a great companion and decided to go with him, to accompany him on the trip, and that way they would also spend more time together.”

“He was excited, confident in his recovery and enthusiastic about the next season. He told me that he would not go on the pre-season tour that Liverpool is going to Japan to strengthen his recovery. He believed he was going to have a great season.”

Jota, ever the professional, had postponed treatment until after Portugal’s Nations League final, where they defeated Spain. He was advised not to fly post-surgery and instead opted for a cross-country road trip with his brother, planning to catch a Brittany Ferries service from Santander to Plymouth.

Denial of Rumours: “Jota and His Brother Weren’t Partying”

Goncalves also firmly rejected speculative reports that the brothers had been partying before the crash.

“I’ve read some things on the internet that are regrettable, and I’ve even heard some in the media. To be clear, Diogo and Andre weren’t partying at all,” he said. “They weren’t in the so-called ‘good mood’ life… Nothing that deserved any repair. Nothing.”

Jota Funeral Details: A Community in Mourning

Jota’s funeral ceremonies begin Friday in Sao Cosme, with the wake at 3 p.m., followed by a funeral on Saturday at 10 am at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, just outside Porto.

The funeral comes less than two weeks after Jota married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, in a Catholic ceremony attended by family and close friends. His final Instagram post was a video of the ceremony, where he called himself “the lucky one.”

Rute posted a wedding photo on Thursday with the caption, “My dream come true.” Jota had replied: “I’m the lucky one.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s national teammate and friend, expressed disbelief and sorrow.

“It doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together for the national team, you were just married,” Ronaldo said. “To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. RIP. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”

Jota’s Fatal Crash: Blown Tyre Suspected

Emergency services responded to the accident around 12:35 am after receiving multiple calls. Spanish civil guard confirmed that both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. The car reportedly ignited surrounding vegetation as it burst into flames. Authorities have not yet confirmed who was driving.

The Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder, capable of exceeding 200mph, is believed to have blown a tyre while overtaking another vehicle. The crash happened on a dual carriageway often used by Portuguese drivers en route to northern Spanish ports like Santander or Bilbao.

According to CNN Portugal, Jota had been explicitly told by doctors not to fly due to recent surgery. Sports editor Rui Loura said: “He had been advised against flying following [lung] surgery… so he chose to travel by ferry to reach the UK that way.”

Journalist Victor Pinto echoed the same, revealing Jota had previously preferred road trips due to his pulmonary discomfort.

Diogo Jota: A Career and Life Remembered

Diogo Jota, born Diogo Silva, changed his surname to stand out in the footballing world. He made his mark with Liverpool, helping them secure the 2024/25 Premier League title and scoring six goals in 26 appearances. For Portugal, he was capped nearly 50 times and played a pivotal role in their recent Nations League triumph.

His younger brother Andre was a promising footballer himself, playing for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division. The two were the only children of Joaquim and Isabel Silva.

Liverpool FC issued a statement saying: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota… We will continue to provide his family and friends with our full support.”

The Portuguese Football Federation also shared its grief: “Much more than an amazing player… Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community.”

Pedro Proenca, head of the Portuguese FA, added: “We are completely devastated. This is an unimaginable loss.”

Fans gathered outside Anfield to lay flowers, scarves, and handwritten notes. Many wept openly, whispering the words of the club anthem: “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Diogo Jota: Legacy of a Fighter

Jota played through injury. He obeyed every instruction. He dreamed of returning stronger and contributing to his club. Just days after celebrating the love of his life, and mere weeks after lifting a trophy for his nation, that bright future was cut tragically short.

And now, as Liverpool mourns, Portugal mourns, and the footballing world pauses, one truth remains — Diogo Jota was not just a gifted player, but a devoted partner, father, teammate, and brother.

He’ll always be remembered. Not only for the goals or the glory — but for the grace with which he lived.