The Heartbreak of Losing One of Football's Genuine Good Guys

By Lewis Barnett 3 July, 2025 6 mins read 59 Views

God, this one hits different.

I've been staring at my laptop for twenty minutes trying to figure out how to write about Diogo Jota's death. The Portuguese forward who won everything with Liverpool - Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, the whole damn lot - died in a car crash in Spain alongside his brother Andre. He was 28. Twenty-eight.

Two weeks ago, he was getting married to Rute Cardoso. Two weeks. They have three kids together - Dinis, Duarte, and a baby daughter whose name we don't even know yet. The wedding photos show them all dressed up, looking like they had the world figured out.

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Why This Feels Personal (Even Though I Never Met Him)

Here's the thing about Jota that made him different from your typical Premier League star. The guy spoke better English than half the people I went to university with. Not just functional football English - proper, thoughtful English. In interviews, he'd pause and consider his words like he actually cared about what he was saying.

My mate who covers Liverpool told me once that Jota was the type who'd remember your name after meeting you once. In a sport full of egos and entourages, that's... rare.

He wasn't flashy. Didn't have the Instagram following of some players. But watch him play - really watch him - and you'd see this intelligence in his movement. The way he'd arrive in the box just as defenders were switching off. Clinical doesn't even cover it.

From Championship Hero to Anfield Legend

People forget Jota's journey wasn't straightforward. Started at Pacos de Ferreira when he was just 17 (Christ, I was failing my A-levels at 17). Atletico Madrid snapped him up, then shipped him off to Porto on loan.

Wolves took a punt on him when they were still in the Championship. Seventeen goals in his first season helped get them promoted. Then Liverpool came calling with £45 million.

Honestly? Some of us thought it was steep at teh time. Shows what we know.

Five seasons at Anfield. 65 goals in 182 appearances. But those numbers don't tell you about the Merseyside derby winner in February - his last goal, as it turned out. Typical Jota: while Everton's defenders were having a chat, he nicked the ball off them and buried it.

Portugal's Quiet Achiever

With Portugal, he was part of that golden generation that actually delivered. Fourteen goals in 49 caps isn't Cristiano numbers, but it's solid. More importantly, he was there when it mattered.

Last month's Nations League final against Spain went to penalties. Jota came on as a sub in extra time. Portugal won. Another trophy to add to the collection.

That triumph was probably the cherry on top of what must have been the best year of his life. New wife, three beautiful kids, Premier League title finally in the bag after coming so close in 2021/22 when Liverpool chased that Quadruple and fell just short.

The Unfairness of It All

This is why I hate writing about tragedies in sport.

Because what do you say? That life isn't fair? That good people die young? That football suddenly seems trivial when you're talking about a 28-year-old father of three who'll never see his kids grow up?

Jota's final Instagram post was from his wedding. Him and Rute looking impossibly happy. The kind of photo that makes you believe in happy endings.

Two weeks later, he's gone. Along with his brother Andre, who was also a footballer. The whole thing is just... incomprehensible.

Liverpool will retire his number, probably. Portugal will dedicate their next match to him. Wolves fans will sing his name. All the usual tributes that feel both necessary and completely inadequate.

But here's what I'll remember: Jota was one of the good guys in a sport that doesn't always reward being good. He worked hard, stayed humble, and treated people with respect. In 2024, that shouldn't be remarkable.

Yet somehow, it was.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Premier League?

The Premier League in England is one of the most competitive and popular domestic football leagues around the world. It is played by twenty teams and follows a system of promotion/relegation in conjunction with the English Football League. The teams compete every year, each playing 38 matches at home and away. Typically the season lasts from August to May. The Premier League is renowned for its international star players and high-quality soccer.

What makes the Premier League different from other European football leagues

The Premier League differs from other European Leagues in several ways, such as its global appeal and financial strength. It also has a competitive depth. The Premier League is known for its large international audience as well as lucrative television rights agreements. Premier League teams are known to be unpredictable. They can win on any given day, even if they're not ranked high. The league is also known for its fast-paced play and intense stadium atmosphere.

What happens if a team finishes at the bottom in the Premier League?

At the end of each Premier League season, the teams that finish in the bottom three positions of the league table are relegated to the Championship, which is the second tier of English football. The Championship is the second tier of English football.

What community initiatives does Premier League support and promote?

The Premier League supports a wide range of community initiatives aimed at improving lives through football. These initiatives include education and sport development programs for children, promoting inclusivity for underrepresented football groups, and assisting projects that use the power of football to create positive social change. The Premier League's global reach allows it to make a significant impact both within and beyond the UK, emphasizing football's potential to contribute to societal well-being.

Can you explain the concept of the 'Big Six' in the Premier League?

The Big Six refers specifically to a group of Premier League clubs who have had the most success and influence in recent years. Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are usually on the list. Also included is Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. These teams are known to perform consistently at a high-level, have a large fan base, be financially strong, and qualify for European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League.

Statistics

Durability is exemplified by Gareth Barry who made an impressive 653 Premier League appearances, the highest number to date.
Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.
The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.

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How To

How To Support Your Premier League Team Abroad

Supporting your favorite Premier League team from abroad involves joining the global fan community. Most clubs offer international supporter groups that you can become a member of. Engage with the team and other fans on social media platforms to stay updated with news and events. If available, you can subscribe to your team’s official streaming services. These often feature exclusive content and match coverage. Find local bars or fan clubs where other fans gather to share a matchday experience.