Diogo Jota’s final moments have been revealed in heartbreaking detail by his physiotherapist, shedding light on the tragic sequence of events that led to the fatal car crash claiming the lives of the Liverpool star and his younger brother, André.
The 28-year-old forward, recovering from lung surgery, had opted to travel by road rather than fly a decision influenced by medical advice following treatment for a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. Determined to return to full fitness and join Liverpool for the new season, Jota had been undergoing intense physiotherapy and was reportedly making remarkable progress.
His respiratory physio shared a poignant account of their last interaction. “I said goodbye to him and his brother at around 8:30 p.m. They were calm, hopeful, and planning to rest overnight in Burgos before continuing their journey to Santander,” he said. The aim was to catch a ferry to Plymouth, a safer alternative to flying, considering Jota’s recent lung surgery.
Just five hours after their farewell, tragedy struck. The £180,000 Lamborghini Huracan the brothers were travelling in veered off the A-52 motorway near Zamora, Spain. It overturned and exploded in flames. Emergency responders confirmed that both Diogo and André died at the scene.
At the time of the crash, Jota was believed to be pain-free and recovering well. His physio emphasized how committed and disciplined the Portuguese forward had been, saying, “He followed all recovery protocols perfectly. He was confident, not only in his health but also in his future. He was already looking ahead to the new season, even if he wasn’t set to join the pre-season tour to Japan.”
In the wake of the accident, unfounded rumours emerged suggesting Jota had been partying prior to the crash. These claims were passionately dismissed. “I’ve read shameful things online. Let me be very clear Diogo and his brother were not partying. They weren’t drinking or celebrating recklessly. They were simply two brothers travelling together.”
Authorities believe a blown tyre during an overtaking maneuver may have caused the vehicle to crash. An investigation is ongoing to determine which of the two brothers was driving at the time.
The incident occurred mere days after Jota’s wedding to his long-time partner and mother of their three children, Rute Cardoso. The football world has been left reeling, with tributes flooding in for a player remembered as humble, professional, and devoted to his family.
Liverpool FC mourns not just a key player, but a man of integrity whose dedication to his recovery and to his loved ones never faltered even in his final hours.
