In a moment that has left football fans across the globe in tears, the final interview of Diogo Jota, the beloved Liverpool striker, has resurfaced, striking a deep emotional chord. Recorded just days before his tragic death in a car accident on July 3, 2025, the interview was part of Liverpool’s documentary Champions 24-25: The Inside Story, which chronicles the club’s triumphant 2024-25 Premier League season. Jota’s heartfelt words, filled with pride, gratitude, and a poignant sense of finality, have gone viral, shared widely across social media and discussed in hushed tones by supporters and players alike. This article explores the details of Jota’s last interview, the devastating context of his passing, and the profound impact his words have had on the football world and beyond.
Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Portuguese forward, was a cornerstone of Liverpool’s resurgence under manager Arne Slot. Known for his clinical finishing and relentless work ethic, Jota joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, quickly becoming a fan favorite at Anfield. His contributions were pivotal in the 2024-25 season, culminating in Liverpool’s Premier League title win, a crowning achievement for a player who had battled persistent injuries but never lost his spark. The documentary, released on August 1, 2025, was meant to celebrate this triumph but took on a somber tone following Jota’s untimely death, transforming his final interview into a lasting testament to his legacy.
In the interview, conducted in late June 2025, Jota sat in Liverpool’s training facility, his eyes alight with pride as he reflected on the season. Dressed in the iconic red kit, he spoke with a quiet intensity that belied his typically reserved demeanor. “This season was tough, but it’s why we fight,” he said, his voice steady yet emotional. “Scoring that goal against Everton in April—it wasn’t just a goal; it was everything I worked for. It’s why you give your life to this game, for moments that make history.” The goal, a match-winner in the Merseyside derby, had brought Liverpool closer to the title and marked Jota’s final competitive strike for the club. His words, now seen as eerily prophetic, carried a weight that no one could have anticipated at the time.
Jota went on to speak about his roots in Gondomar, Portugal, and the improbability of his journey. “As a kid, I never dreamed of lifting the Premier League trophy. Playing in it was already beyond my imagination,” he said, a smile breaking through. “To do this with Liverpool, with these fans, these teammates—it’s a memory I’ll carry forever.” He paused, his gaze distant, adding, “Those celebrations, those pictures, they’ll live on. For a boy from Gondomar, that’s something special.” The sincerity in his voice, coupled with the knowledge of his fate, has left viewers devastated, with clips of the interview amassing millions of views online.
The tragedy that followed makes these words all the more heart-wrenching. On July 3, 2025, Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, a 26-year-old footballer for Portugal’s Penafiel, were killed in a horrific car accident in Zamora, Spain. The brothers were traveling to a port to join Liverpool for pre-season training when their Lamborghini suffered a tire blowout, veered off the highway, and burst into flames. The crash, described as catastrophic by local authorities, claimed both lives instantly, leaving the football world in shock. Jota had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, just 10 days earlier on June 23, 2025, in a joyous ceremony that had been widely celebrated for its love and simplicity.
The interview’s release, part of a documentary dedicated to Jota, has amplified its emotional impact. Fans and teammates alike have shared clips, with many struggling to watch without tears. One poignant moment sees Jota reflecting on his family: “Rute and the kids, they’re my world. Everything I do on the pitch, it’s for them.” He spoke of his three children, the youngest born in November 2024, and his pride in building a life with Cardoso, his high school sweetheart. The tragedy of his loss, so soon after this reflection, has resonated deeply, with social media posts captioned, “This breaks my heart” and “He deserved so much more time.”
Liverpool’s response to Jota’s death has been profound. The club retired his number 20 jersey, a rare honor, and established the Jota & André Foundation to support young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. The documentary, narrated by teammates like Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister, weaves Jota’s interview with tributes that highlight his humility and infectious energy. Van Dijk, visibly emotional, described Jota as “a brother who lit up every room.” Mac Allister recalled his knack for scoring crucial goals, saying, “He made the impossible look easy.” These reflections, paired with Jota’s own words, have turned the interview into a global touchstone for grief and remembrance.
The public’s reaction has been overwhelming. Fans gathered outside Anfield, leaving flowers, scarves, and number 20 jerseys in tribute. Social media platforms buzzed with clips of Jota’s interview, with users from Portugal to Brazil to the UK sharing messages of love. One fan wrote, “Hearing Jota talk about his dreams and his family, knowing he’s gone, it’s unbearable. But his words live on.” Another posted, “He spoke like he knew every moment mattered. Rest in peace, legend.” The phrase “forever in our hearts” trended online, reflecting the universal sorrow felt for a player who embodied passion and perseverance.
Jota’s story is one of triumph and tragedy. Born in Porto, he rose from humble beginnings, playing for local club Gondomar before stints at Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid, and Wolves. His move to Liverpool marked the peak of his career, with 65 goals in 182 appearances and three major trophies: the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. His international career with Portugal, including two Nations League titles, further cemented his legacy. Off the pitch, Jota was known for his quiet kindness, often visiting children’s hospitals and mentoring young players. His connection to Cardoso and their three children humanized him, making his loss all the more personal to fans.
The interview’s viral spread has also sparked conversations about legacy and mortality in sport. Jota’s words, delivered with an almost prescient awareness, remind viewers of the fragility of life. “Those moments on the pitch, they’re what you live for, but it’s the people you love that make it all worth it,” he said, a line that has been quoted endlessly. For many, it’s a call to cherish the present, a sentiment amplified by the tragedy of his and André’s deaths. The football community, from rival fans to global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, has rallied around Jota’s memory, with Ronaldo calling his passing “unfathomable” in a heartfelt tribute.
For Rute Cardoso, the interview is a bittersweet gift. She has remained private since the tragedy, supported by family and friends as she navigates unimaginable grief. The documentary’s release, coupled with the interview’s viral reach, has kept Jota’s spirit alive, offering her a way to share his legacy with their children. Liverpool’s decision to transfer Jota’s remaining contract value—£21.84 million—to Cardoso and her family ensures their financial stability, a gesture that reflects the club’s deep respect for their fallen star.
As the world mourns, Jota’s final interview stands as a testament to his character—a man who loved fiercely, played fearlessly, and dreamed big. The image of him smiling, speaking of his family and his improbable journey, is now etched in the hearts of millions. At Anfield, where his number 20 will never be worn again, fans sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with renewed emotion, honoring a player whose light was extinguished too soon. The tears shed for Jota are not just for his loss but for the beauty of his words, a reminder that even in tragedy, love and legacy endure.
