Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 after being involved in a car crash in Spain, and people have been left inspired by the “touching” words he said to a little girl who was told football “isn’t for women”
People have been left in awe after hearing the “touching words” football player Diogo Jota said to a little girl who was told women “can’t play football”. Liverpool and Portugal star Jota tragically died in a car crash aged just 28 – the Premier League footballer lost his life in a crash in Zamora near Spain’s north-west border with Portugal.
This week police confirmed how the incident happened, with Jota’s brother, Andre Felipe, also dying in the crash which took place at around 00:30 local time on Thursday, according to local police. The tragic incident occured days after Jota’s marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso – who had to identify her husband and his brother after the devastating crash.
Various tributes have been paid to the footballer since the news was confirmed, and stories have also emerged about how kind he was. One tale that’s been told involves how much he supported women in sport, and how he wanted his children to have good “role models” to look up to.
On Facebook, Her Sport wrote: “We don’t often post about men’s sport, but today, we’re making space. At Liverpool FC, whenever there was a campaign about women or keeping girls in the game, Diogo Jota showed up. Not because he had to, because he understood WHY it mattered.
“Last year, he sat beside Ireland’s Leanne Kiernan on International Women’s Day and lent his voice to a message bigger than football. He spoke about the women who raised him, he spoke about his partner and the support she gives him.
“He glowly mentioned Marta and Serena Williams as the kind of role models he hopes his daughter and his sons will grow up admiring. We believe everyone has a duty to care about equality and equity. Jota understood that and acted on it.“A devastating loss for his family, his teammates and everyone who saw the strength of his character beyond the game. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre.”
The post inspired many people to share their stories and thoughts online, with one being particularly touching. A mum replied, saying: “After my littlest got picked on at school for being a girl who loves football, just the typical phrases – ‘football isn’t for girls’ etc, Diogo noticed her waiting for him and spoke with so much respect and told her how important it was for her to stick [at it] and grow to be a role model to other little girls like his little girl! He was always a gentleman, too soon.”
Another wrote: “Thank you for highlighting this side of him.” A third replied: “RIP Diogo and Andre. Diogo spoke well about women and girls in sport and in life – he praised his partner, now wife, for being a strong woman in her own right – they will be missed.
“Thoughts with all the family losing both brothers, his wife and children and all friends and extended family.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “That’s a testament to the person, husband and father he was. RIP Diogo.”
Tributes have poured in within the footballing world too, with many struck by grief at the heartbreaking news. Liverpool led the tributes to the forward, and various clubs, teammates and players shared emotional posts too.
Jota started his career with Pacos de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid, Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He spent three years with Wolves before moving to Liverpool in 2020. Jota made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals.
Liverpool FC’s statement reads: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”