Liverpool Football Club has made a heartfelt decision to continue paying Diogo Jota’s full salary to his family until 2027, following the sudden and tragic passing of the Portuguese forward and his brother in a car accident. The 28-year-old, a key member of the Premier League side, died in a crash in northern Spain just days after his wedding, leaving behind a grieving wife and three young children.
The fatal accident occurred when the Lamborghini Jota was driving reportedly suffered a tyre blowout during an overtaking attempt. The incident claimed the lives of both Jota and his younger brother André, who were traveling together at the time. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the football world, sparking tributes from fans, players, and clubs globally.
Jota had recently married his long-time partner, Cardoso, in what was described as a joyful celebration of love. The joy turned into profound sorrow only 11 days later, as the newlyweds’ lives were upended by the devastating crash. The news of his death deeply affected not only his family but also his teammates, many of whom were seen attending the funeral carrying floral tributes adorned with his shirt number, 20.
Since joining Liverpool in 2020 in a £41 million transfer, Jota quickly cemented his place as a reliable attacker. Over his five seasons at the club, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, earning respect for both his skill and his character. His hard work and consistency led to a contract extension, ensuring his presence at the club until 2027. At the time of his death, he was earning approximately £140,000 a week, or nearly KSh 24.7 million.
Now, in a remarkable show of loyalty and compassion, the club is reported to have committed to paying out the remainder of Jota’s contract in full. With two years left, this gesture amounts to a total of roughly £14.5 million (approximately KSh 2.57 billion). The aim is to offer financial stability and continued support to the family he cherished deeply.
The emotional scenes at Jota’s funeral highlighted the bond he shared with his teammates and coaching staff. Figures such as Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté, Wataru Endo, and manager Arne Slot were all in attendance, paying their final respects. The presence of so many from the club underlined not just Jota’s importance on the pitch, but his lasting impact off it.
Beyond the statistics and achievements, Jota was widely admired as a dedicated family man. His relationship with his wife and children was central to his life, and his death has left an irreplaceable void. In continuing to honor his contract, Liverpool has chosen to go beyond business and show what it means to stand by one of their own in life and death.
The club’s compassionate decision will not only help ease the financial burden on the young family but also stands as a lasting tribute to a player who gave his all to the game and those around him.