In a tragedy that has shaken the football world, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota passed away at the age of 28 following a devastating car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. Alongside his brother André Silva, aged 25, Jota did not survive a collision with a truck near Zamora. However, recently uncovered details about an unsent WhatsApp message intended for his daughter have stirred profound sorrow, revealing the young father’s deep regrets just minutes before the fatal crash.
Diogo Jota, born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva in 1996 in Massarelos, Porto, was one of Portugal’s brightest football stars and a Premier League standout. Beginning his career at Paços de Ferreira, he later moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining Liverpool in 2020 for £41 million. At Anfield, he became a key part of the attacking line, contributing to victories in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Jota was also a mainstay in the Portuguese national team, featuring in Euro 2024 and other major tournaments. His personal life seemed idyllic: married to his long-time partner Rute Cardoso in 2022, he was a devoted father to three young children – his eldest son Dinis, born in 2021, a daughter born in 2023, and a third child born in 2024.
The accident occurred in the early hours of July 3, as Jota was driving his Lamborghini Urus on the A-66 highway near Zamora. According to Spanish police reports, the high-end sports car collided head-on with a truck, resulting in the immediate deaths of both Jota and André. Eyewitnesses cited poor weather and possible high speed as contributing factors. However, the truck driver later disputed with authorities, insisting Jota was not exceeding the speed limit and suggesting a mechanical failure or road conditions may have been to blame. The incident sent shockwaves through the global football community, with tributes pouring in from teammates like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Salah wrote on social media, “I don’t even know what to say. Diogo was a brother, an amazing father.”
Amid the grief, a heart-wrenching detail emerged from data recovered from Jota’s phone. According to investigators and confirmed by WhatsApp (a Meta platform), Jota had recorded an unsent voice message just minutes before the crash. The message was not for his wife, Rute, but for his daughter. The contents, extracted from a draft on the app, have left millions of fans heartbroken, revealing the profound regrets of a father who sensed his time might be short.
In a trembling voice, Jota began with tender words: “My darling daughter, Daddy’s driving home now. I miss you so much.” He went on to reflect on the demands of his professional career: “I’ve spent too much time on football, on matches, and forgot that you’re growing up every day. I regret not being there more, not reading you bedtime stories every night, not seeing your first steps in person instead of through videos.” Jota referenced moments he missed due to his hectic schedule: “During the Euros, I thought about you constantly. I promised to take you to the park, to ride the carousel, but now I realize time passes too quickly. Don’t grow up without Daddy by your side, okay?”
These words carry an unbearable weight, as Jota expressed fears about the future: “I’m scared that if something happens, you won’t remember my face. I regret not telling you I love you more, not hugging you tighter. Please forgive Daddy if I don’t make it home.” The message cuts off abruptly, possibly due to a distraction on the road or the crash itself. WhatsApp’s recently introduced “Message Drafts” feature preserved this message, allowing investigators to recover and share it with Jota’s family.
The revelation has sparked widespread discussion about the pressures faced by professional athletes. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have previously spoken about sacrificing family time for their careers. For Jota, he was not only a talented footballer but also a deeply loving father. His wife, Rute, posted on Instagram: “Diogo was always the best father. This message is proof of his love.” Liverpool fans have held memorials at Anfield, with banners reading, “Forever a Red, Forever a Dad.”
Jota’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility. Just ten days before the crash, he shared a joyful family photo on social media with the caption, “Family is everything.” Now, his three young children must grow up without their father. His daughter, the intended recipient of the unsent message, may not remember him beyond stories told by her mother and siblings. Jota’s regrets – about missed time, unspoken love – offer a poignant lesson: cherish every moment with loved ones, for tomorrow is never guaranteed.
The football community continues to honor Jota’s memory. Liverpool has announced a minute’s silence at all matches in the new season, and a charitable foundation in his name will support orphaned children. Diogo Jota leaves behind a legacy not only on the pitch but also a powerful message: Let regret never be your final word.
