Diogo Jota: The player who touched the hearts of the football world

TPO - The sudden passing of Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva in a car accident in Spain is not only a huge loss for Liverpool, but also a shock to the entire football world. From his brilliant goals on the pitch to his image as a loving husband and father in real life, Jota leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond the boundaries of sport - a kind, humble man, loved by all.

Jurgen Klopp, the legendary former Liverpool coach, spoke out for the fans on the day his former student - Diogo Jota (28 years old) and his younger brother André Silva (25 years old) - passed away after a car accident in northwestern Spain.

"This is a moment where I really don't know what to say," Klopp wrote on his personal website. "Everything happens for a reason, but at the moment I can't understand it."

The pain is not only confined to the hearts of Liverpool fans, but spread throughout the football world . A tragedy that makes everyone silent, and recalls Klopp's famous quote during the Covid-19 pandemic: "Football is always the most important of the unimportant things".

Indeed, this loss makes every title, every goal become small. Not only Liverpool fans, but also fans of Manchester United, Everton... quietly lined up in front of Anfield gate to commemorate Diogo Jota.

Neatly placed bouquets of flowers, tear-soaked scarves and jerseys, photos and tearful words from the opponents themselves… are the most touching proof of the extraordinary power that football brings, overcoming all hostility and all color boundaries.

For all, this is not just a loss. It is a deep pain that time cannot heal.

In the memory of fans, Diogo Jota is more than just a good player. He is a symbol of dedication, humility and talent. Since his time at Wolverhampton (in 2017), where he became a legend with 44 goals in 131 games, Jota has been part of history.

He played an important role in bringing Wolves back to the Premier League in 2017/18; scored a hat-trick against Leicester City, becoming the second Portuguese player after Ronaldo to do so in the most prestigious tournament in the foggy country; scored the decisive goal against MU to bring Wolves to the semi-finals of the FA Cup 2019, the first time in nearly 20 years.

And then Liverpool came knocking. The £45 million fee in 2020 had many people skeptical. But Jota responded with all: 7 goals in the first 10 games, equaling the legendary Robbie Fowler. Coming to Anfield without noise, without the spotlight, Jota only needed the ball and Klopp's trust.

In five seasons at Anfield, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 games, winning four major trophies: two League Cups, one FA Cup, and most notably the 2024/25 Premier League title.

Jota has always been a man of big moments. There was the double against Arsenal that sent Liverpool into the Carabao Cup final. There was the goal that launched the Arne Slot era in the 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.

Perhaps the most beautiful, but now also the most heartbreaking, was the cool finish in front of the Kop in April, helping Liverpool beat Everton in the Merseyside derby. His last goal was also... his farewell.

Jota is not the most celebrated name in the national team, but he has always been an important part, loved and respected by his teammates. 14 goals in 29 matches and just a month ago, he won the UEFA Nations League with the Portuguese team. Ronaldo, the captain and close senior, choked up and shared: "It's meaningless. This is unbelievable."

But beyond the pitch, the football world mourns an exemplary husband and father; a simple son of the Gondomar countryside, where he began his journey to the top. In 2022, Jota returned to his hometown, building a football academy named after him, where dreams are planted for children who love football like he did in the past.

Just 11 days before the accident, Jota married his childhood partner Rute Cardoso, who was already the parents of three children. In the wedding photo on his personal page, the whole family hugged each other happily, smiling brightly. The simple caption now makes people's hearts ache: "Together forever".

Liverpool fans used to sing about him with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising”. The tune echoed throughout Anfield and on European tours. In that song, Jota was simply “The Boy from Portugal” as a reminder that behind the glory was a close and simple person.

Jota didn't chase the limelight. But it was his way of life, his way of playing and his warm heart that made him a player so loved. For all he gave - goals, smiles, love, dedication - Diogo Jota will never be forgotten.

A boy from Portugal. But he touched the hearts of the whole world.

Trong Dat

Source: https://tienphong.vn/diogo-jota-cau-thu-cham-toi-trai-tim-the-gioi-bong-da-post1757538.tpo