Diogo Jota's uneven path to football glory

Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota faced early career setbacks before rising to prominence and ultimately winning the Premier League with Liverpool, before his untimely passing at 28.

Jota's earliest football memory was Euro 2004, hosted in his hometown of Porto. The Dragao Stadium was near his home in the Massarelos university district. His idol, a young Cristiano Ronaldo, starred for Portugal, ultimately losing twice to Greece, in the opening match and the final.

15 years later, Jota's dream of playing for the national team came true with his first call-up in 3/2019. Although he didn't play, he was part of the Nations League winning squad on 9/6, on home soil. Five months later, he debuted, replacing Ronaldo in a 6-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win against Lithuania.

Jota stands alongside Ronaldo during Portugal's Euro 2024 Group F match against the Czech Republic at the Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany, on 18/6/2024. Photo: AFP

Jota stands alongside Ronaldo during Portugal's Euro 2024 Group F match against the Czech Republic at the Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany, on 18/6/2024. Photo: AFP

The two Nations League titles, the first in 2019 and the second on 8/6 this year, mark the highlights of Jota's international career.

His journey to the top was far from smooth. Unlike many of his Portuguese contemporaries, he wasn't recruited by any prestigious academies. In 2010, at 16, he even paid to play with friends.

Jota gained recognition in 2016 through a controversial deal between his club, Pacos de Ferreira, and Atletico Madrid. The 9 million USD transfer fee saw Pacos receive less than 3.5 million USD, with the rest going to intermediaries, including Gestifute, super-agent Jorge Mendes' company, which owned 40% of the player's rights.

Despite high expectations, Jota played only three friendlies for Atletico before being loaned back to Porto for the 2016-2017 season. In the summer of 2017, he was loaned to Wolves in the English Championship. This proved to be his breakthrough, earning him a permanent 17.5 million USD transfer after just six months.

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Klopp celebrates with Jota after a Champions League match with Liverpool. Photo: AFP

During three years with Wolves, helping them rise to the Premier League, Jota became a fan favorite. He scored the decisive goal against Chelsea to secure their Premier League status, netted against Manchester United in the FA Cup, and scored a last-minute hat-trick against Leicester, Wolves' first in the top flight.

In the 2019-2020 season, Jota added two more Europa League hat-tricks, forming a potent partnership with Raul Jimenez. His adventurous style, daring dribbling, and passionate spirit continued to create memorable moments. "He loves football, watches every game he can. He is one of the most dedicated players I've worked with," said his then-Wolves manager, Nuno Espirito Santo.

In his final season at Wolves, Jota correctly predicted Liverpool's Premier League title win, leading some to believe he was a Liverpool fan. However, his favorite English club was actually Everton. "I enjoy watching Everton, especially at home. They're not title contenders but always give the big teams a hard time. I love their fighting spirit and intensity. They never give up."

That fighting spirit and resilience, combined with his versatility across the forward line, two-footed finishing, and team-first mentality, attracted Jurgen Klopp's attention.

Jota scores for Liverpool against Everton in the 30th round of the Premier League at Anfield on 2/4/2025. Photo: Reuters

Klopp celebrates with Jota after a Champions League match with Liverpool. Photo: AFP

"We signed Jota because of his desire and passion," Klopp explained Liverpool's 48 million USD investment in the summer of 2020. He needed cover for Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, and Roberto Firmino. Jota was chosen over Timo Werner, Jonathan David, and Ismaila Sarr because he embraced the challenge.

Over four seasons under Klopp, Jota scored 13, 21, 7, and then 15 goals across all competitions for Liverpool, meeting or exceeding expectations for a backup forward. Despite these contributions, Premier League glory eluded him, even with Liverpool consistently among the title favorites.

That drought finally ended this past season, despite Liverpool not being highly rated after Klopp's departure and doubts surrounding new manager Arne Slot. Jota himself had his toughest season at Anfield, with injuries limiting his playing time. However, fate smiled on him as Liverpool capitalized on Manchester City's decline and Arsenal's inconsistency to win the title with four games to spare.

Jota touches the club crest during the Premier League title celebrations at Anfield on 26/5, his final appearance before Liverpool fans. Photo: EPA

Jota scores for Liverpool against Everton in the 30th round of the Premier League at Anfield on 2/4/2025. Photo: Reuters

With only 6 goals, his lowest Premier League tally in five seasons, Jota still made a significant contribution, scoring a memorable goal in early April. It was a crucial strike in the Merseyside derby against his favorite club, Everton, and his last for Liverpool.

The derby came at a time when Jota's form and future were in doubt. He chose this moment to deliver a signature performance, his name echoing around Anfield after a goal that epitomized his style.

Pressing from behind, Jota dispossessed Jame Garner near the edge of the box. The ball fell to Luis Diaz, who back-heeled it to Jota. With two touches, he turned, beating Idrissa Gueye and James Tarkowski before firing past Jordan Pickford.

The eruption of emotion on the pitch and in the stands highlighted the goal's significance. Jota pointed to the club crest as Curtis Jones jumped on his back in celebration. The goal propelled Liverpool to victory in the derby, a key step towards the title, which they lifted at Anfield in the final game of the season.