The football world was left reeling on July 3, 2025, when news broke of the tragic deaths of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a horrific car accident in northwestern Spain. The accident, which occurred on the A-52 motorway near Zamora, claimed the lives of the two brothers just eleven days after Jota’s wedding to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. As tributes poured in from fans, teammates, and global icons, a poignant detail emerged about Jota’s final hours: a phone call he made just before the tragedy, not to his family or wife, but to someone else entirely—a close confidant from his past. In that call, Jota left three heartfelt instructions, words that now resonate as his final legacy. Who was this person, and what were the messages that Jota felt compelled to share in his last moments of joy?

Diogo Jota, aged 28, was at the peak of his career. A key figure in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph in the 2024/25 season, he had scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. His flair on the pitch, coupled with his infectious joy and humility, made him a beloved figure at Anfield and beyond. Off the field, Jota was a devoted family man, a father of three young children, and a newlywed, having married Rute Cardoso in a joyous ceremony in his hometown of Gondomar, near Porto, on June 22, 2025. His brother, André Silva, 25, was also a professional footballer, playing as a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division. The brothers shared a deep bond, often training together during the off-season at their boyhood club, Gondomar SC.

On the night of the accident, Jota and Silva were traveling from Porto to Santander, Spain, to catch a ferry back to England for Liverpool’s pre-season training. Jota had been advised against flying due to recent minor lung surgery, a precaution following a rib injury sustained during the previous season. The brothers were in a Lamborghini Huracan, a high-performance vehicle that tragically veered off the road at 12:30 a.m. after a suspected tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver. The car crashed into the central reservation and burst into flames, leaving no chance for survival. The devastating scene, marked by scorched earth and debris, became a haunting image for the football community.

Amid the grief, a revelation emerged about Jota’s final actions. Just hours before the crash, at around 10 p.m., Jota made a phone call to Alvaro Cerqueira, the president of Gondomar SC, the club where he began his football journey at the age of nine. This call was not a casual check-in but a deeply personal moment, as Jota shared three specific instructions that reflected his character and priorities. Cerqueira, who had maintained a close relationship with Jota over the years, later shared that the footballer was in high spirits, describing him as being in a “happy moment.” The exact details of the three instructions remain private, out of respect for Jota’s family and Cerqueira’s discretion, but they are believed to have centered on his gratitude for his roots, his commitment to his community, and his hopes for the future.

The identity of Cerqueira as the recipient of Jota’s final call adds a layer of poignancy to the tragedy. Gondomar SC was more than just a starting point for Jota’s career; it was a place of belonging. Jota frequently returned to the club during the off-season to train, often accompanied by his brother André. The brothers’ humility and dedication left a lasting impression on the Gondomar community, where they were seen not as global stars but as local sons who never forgot their origins. Cerqueira’s account paints a picture of a man who, even in the glow of recent successes—winning the UEFA Nations League with Portugal and celebrating his wedding—was thinking of those who had shaped his journey.

The football world’s response to Jota’s passing was immediate and heartfelt. Liverpool FC, devastated by the loss, lowered the flags at Anfield to half-mast and opened a book of condolence. Manager Arne Slot described Jota as “a friend to everyone,” emphasizing his ability to make others feel valued. Captain Virgil van Dijk, in an emotional Instagram post, called Jota a “champion forever” and vowed that the club would support his family. Tributes extended beyond Liverpool, with Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo expressing disbelief, writing, “It doesn’t make sense.” The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 match between Portugal and Spain observed a minute’s silence, and clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain honored the brothers during their Club World Cup matches in the USA.

The investigation into the crash has sparked debate. Spanish authorities initially suggested that Jota, believed to be the driver, may have been speeding, citing tyre marks stretching 100 meters from the point of impact. However, two Portuguese lorry drivers who witnessed the accident challenged this narrative, claiming the Lamborghini was traveling at a moderate speed and that the road conditions were poor. The ongoing investigation continues to explore whether the tyre blowout or other factors were the primary cause, but for those grieving, these details offer little solace.

In Gondomar, the brothers’ hometown, the community prepared for a somber farewell. A wake was held on July 4 at Sao Cosme Chapel, followed by a funeral on July 5 at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, the same church where Jota had married Rute just weeks earlier. Former teammates, including Portugal’s Roberto Martínez and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, attended, carrying floral tributes shaped like football jerseys. Jota’s wife, Rute, and their three children—two sons, Denis and Duarte, and a daughter born the previous year—faced an unimaginable loss, supported by a community united in grief.

Jota’s legacy extends beyond his goals and trophies. His final call to Cerqueira underscores a man who valued connection, loyalty, and gratitude. The three instructions, though undisclosed in full, are said to reflect his desire to give back to Gondomar, support young players, and ensure his family’s well-being. These words, spoken in what he described as a “happy moment,” now carry the weight of a final testament. As Liverpool considers retiring Jota’s number 20 shirt—a rare honor—the football world vows to keep his memory alive.

For fans, Jota was more than a player; he was a symbol of resilience and joy. His trademark chomping celebration, inspired by his love for video games, became a staple at Anfield. His skill as a gamer, reaching the top of the FIFA Ultimate Team Champions leaderboard, showed his competitive spirit extended beyond the pitch. Yet, it was his humanity—his role as a husband, father, and friend—that left the deepest mark.

As the investigation continues and the football world mourns, Jota’s final call to Alvaro Cerqueira stands as a poignant reminder of his character. In his last hours, he chose to reach out to someone who had been part of his journey from the beginning, leaving behind words that will echo in Gondomar and beyond. The football community, from Anfield to Porto, will ensure that Diogo Jota and André Silva are never forgotten, their legacies carried forward by those they touched with their humility and heart.