Doctor Reveals Diogo Jota’s Final Moments
The football world continues to mourn the untimely death of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident in Spain. Among the voices coming forward to share their memories is Miguel Gonçalves, the respiratory physiotherapist who was closely involved in Jota’s recovery in the days leading up to the incident. Gonçalves offers a moving insight into Jota’s final hours, painting a picture of a man who was calm, hopeful, and making responsible decisions regarding his health.
According to Gonçalves, he spent time with both Jota and his brother on the evening before the crash. He recalled sharing dinner with them and saying goodbye around that time. He emphasized that there was no partying or reckless behavior. The brothers were relaxed, respectful, and simply enjoying a quiet evening. Gonçalves was one of the last people to see them alive and remembers their farewell as warm and ordinary.
Diogo Jota had been recovering from a recent medical issue involving a minor pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. His condition had improved significantly, and he was no longer experiencing pain. Due to medical advice against air travel, he opted for a ground journey from the United Kingdom to Portugal. He had taken a ferry from Liverpool to Santander and was continuing the trip by car. This route, although long, was chosen with his health in mind.
The accident occurred on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora in the early hours of July 3, 2025. Reports from the Spanish Civil Guard indicate that the Lamborghini Urus the brothers were traveling in suffered a tire failure while overtaking another vehicle. The car veered off the road and caught fire after plunging into a ditch. Both Diogo and André died at the scene. Investigations are ongoing, focusing on speed, road conditions, and the mechanical failure as possible contributing factors.
Just days before the accident, Jota had celebrated one of the happiest moments of his life. On June 22, he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple shared three children and had looked forward to a future together. Family and friends describe him as deeply committed to his loved ones, both on and off the pitch.
Miguel Gonçalves recalled how Jota had spoken about his plans for the upcoming football season. He was focused on his recovery and even discussed skipping Liverpool’s tour of Japan in order to train and be fully ready for the next campaign. Gonçalves said Jota’s attitude was professional and positive, showing no signs of fatigue or emotional distress.
In Portugal, thousands gathered for Jota’s wake at the Capela da Ressurreição in Gondomar. The loss has also been felt deeply across the footballing world. Liverpool teammates including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson have publicly paid tribute. Salah admitted he is struggling to imagine returning to the pitch without Jota by his side. Teams across Europe, from Bayern Munich to grassroots clubs, have held moments of silence to honor his memory.
Diogo Jota’s legacy, both as a footballer and as a person, will not be forgotten. His final hours were filled with normalcy, care, and hope for the future. His passing is a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how important it is to treasure each moment.