Renowned Portuguese football manager José Mourinho has paid a deeply emotional tribute to Diogo Jota following the tragic death of the Liverpool and Portugal forward.
In a heartfelt message that has resonated across the global football community, Mourinho painted a poignant picture of Jota not only as a talented player, but as a humble and grounded human being.
Speaking with visible emotion, Mourinho lamented the sheer depth of the loss, especially for Jota’s young family.
“Three children lost their father, a young woman lost her husband, parents lost both of their sons… it’s incredibly hard. It’s hard to believe. Maybe one day we will believe it, but not now,” Mourinho said.
Diogo Jota’s sudden passing sent shockwaves through the football world. Known for his pace, sharp instincts, and tireless work ethic, Jota rose to prominence playing for clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers and Atlético Madrid before becoming a key figure at Liverpool FC. Off the pitch, he was widely respected for his humility and quiet strength.
Mourinho’s tribute went beyond the standard eulogies often heard after the death of a public figure. He spoke of Jota as a man who defied the typical image of modern footballers.
“When people leave this world, we usually say, ‘He was a good man.’ But Diogo was a genuinely good man. He wasn’t from this generation—he wasn’t chasing the spotlight. He became the leading role naturally, because of his talent and character,” he said.
Mourinho also revealed a personal link to the 27-year-old footballer, sharing that they were both represented by the influential agent Jorge Mendes, a connection that gave Mourinho unique insight into Jota’s journey and struggles.
“Diogo and I had the same agent, Jorge Mendes, so I know a lot about him. Even people at Liverpool will tell you I’m right—nothing came easy for him. He had to fight for every step he took. And that’s what made him special.”
Born in Porto, Diogo Jota began his senior career with Paços de Ferreira before earning moves to Atlético Madrid and later Wolves, where he flourished under Nuno Espírito Santo. In 2020, Liverpool brought him to Anfield, where he quickly became a fan favorite for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and relentless energy on the pitch.
His untimely death is not only a blow to the footballing world but a devastating loss to his young family and the many lives he touched both professionally and personally.
As tributes continue to pour in from fans, teammates, and football icons across the globe, Mourinho’s message stands out—not only for its raw emotion but for its powerful reminder that behind the fame and accolades, footballers are people too.
“This isn’t just a tragedy for football.. This is a human tragedy. And one that will be hard to accept for a long time,” Mourinho concluded.
