JOTA’S PHYSIOTHERAPIST REVEALS FINAL MOMENTS BEFORE TRAGIC FATAL CRASH THAT SHOCKED FOOTBALL WORLD
The football world continues to mourn the heartbreaking loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident alongside his brother, André Silva, in the early hours of Thursday morning. New details have now emerged, revealing what Jota was doing just hours before the fatal crash, thanks to an emotional statement from his physiotherapist, Gonçalves.
The 28-year-old Portuguese international was reportedly travelling back to Liverpool to begin pre-season training when the tragedy occurred. The fatal crash took place in Zamora, Spain, where the car they were travelling in is believed to have suffered a tyre blowout. Emergency services responded to the scene swiftly, but tragically, both Jota and André were pronounced dead upon arrival.
Jota’s untimely death has devastated fans, players, and clubs across the globe. Heartfelt tributes have poured in from current and former teammates, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, close friend Andrew Robertson, and former manager Jürgen Klopp. All have expressed disbelief and sorrow over the loss of a player admired not just for his talent, but for his humility and dedication.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Jota’s personal physiotherapist, Gonçalves, gave an emotional interview to Portuguese outlet Record, offering a glimpse into the final hours before the crash. According to Gonçalves, he had just spent several hours with Jota as part of his rehabilitation from a long-standing injury, which the striker had bravely played through during Portugal’s recent Nations League victory over Spain.
“I said goodbye to him and his brother, André, around 8:30 p.m.,” Gonçalves revealed. “He was feeling optimistic. We were working on his recovery, and he was looking forward to the new season.”
Jota had delayed surgery to participate in Portugal’s recent matches, choosing instead to begin a rehabilitation program aimed at preparing him for the upcoming campaign with Liverpool. Despite his discomfort, he remained committed and focused characteristics that those close to him say defined his career.
“André wasn’t just a brother to him, he was also his closest companion,” Gonçalves continued. “He decided to join Diogo on the trip so they could spend more time together. They were always close always supporting each other.”
The journey was meant to be a safe return to the UK, with planned rest stops along the way. “He told me the drive would take about eight hours, but they planned to stop and sleep at a hotel in the Burgos area before continuing. They weren’t in a rush they wanted to travel safely,” said Gonçalves. “They were only supposed to arrive in Santander today, then take the ferry to England.”
According to the physiotherapist, the rest of the Jota family had plans to fly into the UK later over the weekend. Diogo also had a medical assessment scheduled for Monday in Liverpool to evaluate his injury recovery before rejoining the squad for full training.
“It was all so well planned,” Gonçalves said. “Everything was ready. He was doing everything right as always. That’s what makes this even more painful. He was responsible, focused, and full of hope.”
The news of his passing has been particularly hard to bear given the context a professional returning early to prepare for a new season, accompanied by his brother, simply trying to share the road together one last time. Instead, it ended in unimaginable tragedy.
As fans gather at Anfield and across Portugal to pay their respects, candles, shirts, and flowers are being placed in tribute to Jota and André Silva. Liverpool has confirmed that a full memorial will be held at the start of the season to honor both lives lost.
