Diogo Jota's tragic final hours from hopeful phone call to cruel twist of fate on journey

The football world has been rocked by the tragic death of Diogo Jota, who passed away at what should have been an exciting turning point in his life.

Liverpool forward Diogo, 28, died in a horrific car crash alongside his younger brother and fellow footballer, Andre Silva, 26. The two talented brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini, which spun off the road and burst into flames close to the historic Spanish city of Zamora.

A newly married father of three, Diogo was dedicated to his family and stellar sporting career. His journey through northwest Spain should have been one filled with hope, with a bright new chapter opening up before him.

Sadly, the siblings never made it back to the UK as planned. Instead, fans and teammates alike are today mourning the loss of two gifted young men with everything to live for.

Here, the Mirror looks at the final tragic days of Portuguese icon Diogo, and the cruel twist of fate ahead of what should have been a triumphant return to the UK.

READ MORE: BRIAN READE: ‘I watched Jota lift trophy – his death reminds us life is precious’

Those watching Diogo play in the last few weeks of his life may well have had no idea that he was dealing with a little-known health issue, which has now been confirmed by his physiotherapist.

Ever the "unparalleled professional", Diogo continued to give his all to the beautiful game, despite suffering from an problem known as pneumothorax - or collapsed lung.

Physio Miguel Goncalves, who saw Diogo just five hours before the crash, said the footballer was so keen to ensure Liverpool won their second Premier League title, he delayed his pneumothorax surgery. He also longed to play in Portugal's Nations League game against Spain in June, which his country ended up winningon penalties.

And in a heartbreaking twist of fate, it has now been revealed that Diogo had been advised against flying after undergoing lung surgery, and so he and Andre had intended to sail back to England together.

At the time of the tragedy, the brothers were driving towards Santander, via an overnight stop off in Benavente. They had planned to take a ferry back to Portsmouth, then on to Liverpool.

CNN Portugal's Rui Laura explained. "He was on his way to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to cross the ferry and reach the UK that way, and carry on with the car once he reached Britain. He was on his way to Liverpool with his brother."

Diogo had been returning to Liverpool after spending time in his home country of Portugal. On June 8, he'd stepped in as a sub in the national squad's penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Nations League final. Next week, Liverpool team members are due back at their Melwood training ground, with the pre-season kicking off on Tuesday, July 8.

Diogo's physio Mr Goncalves, who works primarily at a Porto hospital, shared how the two brothers had chosen to make their fateful car journey in the evening as the weather would be cooler. He added: "I said goodbye to him and his brother, Andre, at around 8:30 pm.

"His brother was a great companion and decided to go with him, to accompany him on the trip, and that way they would also spend more time together. They were going to travel at night because it was cooler, but they weren't going direct."

In an interview with Portuguese outlet Record, Mr Goncalves revealed: "Diogo was very aware of his professionalism. They were only supposed to arrive in Santander today (Thursday, July 3), catch the boat and then go to England.

"The family would arrive later by plane, organise their lives over the weekend and then, on Monday, they had a medical appointment scheduled in Liverpool to assess the situation."

He continued: "He made an extraordinary recovery, he was undoubtedly an unparalleled professional. He strictly followed what I told him, as you could see in the way he was recovering.

"The base of his right lung had collapsed a little, but with the post-surgery physiotherapy, he was practically flawless. When I left him yesterday, he was no longer in pain and was going to return to Liverpool. He was excited, confident in his recovery and enthusiastic about the next season."

Mr Goncalves has also hit back at inaccurate rumours he's seen circulating on social media, which suggest Diogo and Andre had been partying before their tragic deaths. Setting the record straight, he clarified: "To be clear, Diogo and Andre weren't partying at all."

In the hours before the devastating crash, Jota also spoke to Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira in a heartbreaking phone call. The Liverpool star started his career with Gondomar at the tender age of nine.

Cerqueira told JN: "It was just after 10pm last night [Thursday], we were on the phone and he was fine. We spoke almost every week, and I know he was going through a happy moment. When Diogo needed to train during the off-season, he would ask to come here, and we would always make everything available.

"His brother would usually come too, and they would both train. It is difficult to talk at a time like this, but what will remain is the image of two very humble people, who leave a huge void."

Meanwhile, just 11 days before his untimely death, Diogo married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony held in his home city of Porto.

In those final hours, the couple were still very much the image of newlywed bliss, sharing beautiful snaps from their special day via Instagram.

Gorgeous photos shared on the app show the former teenage sweethearts beaming from ear to ear in front of a church altar. Rute wore a fairytale-esque ivory dress and flowing veil, while groom Diogo beamed in his suit.

In one photo, the devoted parents are stood alongside by their three children, Dinis, born February 2021; Duarte, born March 2023; and a third child, welcomed in December 2024, whose name has not been publicly announced.

Another image shows Diogo and Rute making their way down the church steps amid a flurry of confetti. Looking back on the "day we'll never forget", the couple promised "June 22, 2025. Yes to forever", in a now-poignant caption.

Mere hours before the tragedy, Diogo uploaded a video filled with special moments from their big day, which included footage of carefree guests dancing the night away.

The clip is introduced with the following voiceover: "Dear Rute, Dear Diogo, today is a day that will mark your lives for the rest of your days.

"This is the only day that you have been able to get together, at the same time, in the same place. Your family, your friends. To celebrate what truly matters, which is love."

Now, loved ones will gather once more for a far more sombre occasion. Diogo and Andre's wake will take place today (July 4) in São Cosme, with the funeral scheduled for 10 am tomorrow, held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com.

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