Diogo Jota: To Santander from Gondomar via Zamora

Zamora, museum of Romanesque art

Zamora is a city in Castile and León, Spain. The city straddles the Duero River. The city is the most important in the province and a city with most Romanesque churches in all of Europe and is called a museum of Romanesque art. Located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, city lies about 649 metres above sea level. Zamora is the birth place of spanish left back Sergio Reguilón. But this post is about Diogo Jota.

Who is Diogo Jota?

Diogo Jota is a Portuguese professional footballer who played as a forward for Premier League club Liverpool and the Portugal national team. Known for his finishing, dribbling and work rate, he was a dressing room favourite with his teammates. Jota began his career in Portugal with Paços de Ferreira, played for Atlético Madrid, Porto, Wolverehampton Wanderers before establishing himself as a key player for Liverpool from 2020. He was a regular in the Portugal national team as well.

Jota's fateful journey

Having advised not to fly after a lung procedure, on 3 July 2025, Jota travelled from his home town Gondomar to northern spanish port city Santander for taking a ferry to England for preseason training with Liverpool. On the way, Jota's car suffered a tyre blowout killing Jota and his brother Andre in Zamora. Fateful event happened just after 11 days of his marriage. Jota's death was mourned across the world by footballing world and Liverpool fans. Liverpool FC announced that they retire Jota's number 20 jersey in honour.