Jose Mourinho has paid a heartwarming tribute following Diogo Jota's passing, explaining why the late Liverpool hero was "more than a nice guy".
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, sadly passed away on July 3, after they were involved in a car crash in Zamora, Spain. The football world is collectively mourning the Portuguese duo, who were headed back to the UK ahead of the 28-year-old's return to pre-season with the Reds.
Tributes have poured in from those who knew Jota, such as Andy Robertson, who penned an emotional statement on his Instagram account. His Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Argentine forward Lionel Messi have also paid their respects amid the former Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker's passing.
Jose Mourinho's Moving Diogo Jota Tribute
"It was the protagonist that found him because of his talent"
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-07-04T181431.428
Jota's loss has deeply affected Liverpool, their squad, club staff and their passionate supporters. They know all too well how much of a positive influence he was, and his former teammate Jordan Henderson's tearful visit to Anfield to pay his respects shows how he was more than just a playing colleague.
Mourinho highlighted how likeable the 49-cap Portugal international was by delving into his work ethic alongside his personality. The former Chelsea manager told Sky Sports:
"When people leave this world, normally we all say 'such a nice guy'. Diogo was really a nice guy"
He added:
"He had my agent, he had my structure, so of course I knew a lot about him. And people in Liverpool, they know what I'm saying is the truth. He's a kid that nothing was easy for him. You have to fight to arrive where you arrive."
Jota's star shone bright when he first arrived in England at Wolves in 2017, quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising forwards in the country. He excelled at Molineux, earning a move to Liverpool where he became a Premier League champion:
"From this generation, he was not chasing protagonism; it was the protagonist that found him because of his talent. And the history is something really crazy."
Jota leaves behind his wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he married only weeks ago, and three children: two boys and a baby girl:
"Three kids that stay without a dad, a young woman without her husband, the parents that lose both sons, it's crazy. It's difficult to understand. Maybe one day we will understand, but not now."
Jota and his brother Silva will be laid to rest on Saturday (July 8) in Sao Cosme, in Porto, Portugal, which is the same location where he married Cardoso on June 22. It's not just Liverpool who have lost one of football's good guys; the sport in its entirety has lost one of its good guys.
Jorge Mendes Heartbroken Over Jota's Passing
The late Liverpool hero's agent is in Spain with his family
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-07-04T181153.278
Jorge Mendes is the agent whom Mourinho alluded to when explaining their connection and the super agent has been left devastated. He spoke to the Spanish press while grieving alongside Jota's family (via The Mirror):
"We lost two great people. Diogo is an example as a person, husband, son, professional. I still can't believe it, it's very difficult,"
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-07-04T181942.348
Mendes is said to have arrived in Spain with Jota's mother to be with the family ahead of the funeral. Their bond was more than just football and business-related, and he's not the only one to acknowledge how much of an exemplary human being he was.
A fan on X explained how, four years ago, Jota sent his son a video message during a difficult period to try to lift his spirits. In the video, he offered advice on ways to overcome struggles, while also hoping to see the supporter back at Anfield as soon as possible.
There will be more tributes that come in regarding the former Porto star's career and life. The football world has come together to grieve an ultimate professional whose family will never walk alone.
diogo jota cristiano Related
Cristiano Ronaldo Posts Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota After His Death
Ronaldo has taken to social media after his Portugal teammate passed away at the age of just 28.