Jurgen Klopp, former manager of Liverpool from October 2015 to May 2024, has opened up about the profound impact of Diogo Jota’s death. The former Portuguese international and Liverpool player passed away on July 3, 2025, at the young age of 28, following a tragic car accident in Spain that also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva, who was 25 years old.
Klopp Remembers Jota’s Transfer to Liverpool
In the biography “Diogo Jota: Forever in Our Hearts”, Klopp reminisces about the moment he decided to bring Jota to Liverpool from Wolverhampton. “I was watching a Wolves game when Diogo made a move down the left flank, showcasing his physicality, refined technique, and immense strength. I immediately thought, ‘I want this player.’ It was an instinctive reaction, one I could fully trust,” Klopp recalled.
He noted that bringing Jota on board deviated from his usual approach, where he typically collaborates closely with scouts and sporting directors to identify player needs. “This time, I took the initiative completely. I requested detailed reports about him, mesmerized by his skills. We needed a versatile player capable of operating in multiple positions, and he had the right mentality for Liverpool,” Klopp emphasized.
Klopp Speaks on the Pain of Jota’s Passing
Klopp candidly acknowledged the pain of discussing Jota’s passing, describing him as a devoted family man and father of three. “At 59 years old, I understand that death is an inevitable part of life. Over time, you learn to accept these realities. However, upon hearing about Diogo’s tragedy, I was in shock and unable to say a word. I didn’t inquire about the details; I was frozen, trying to process the information. Even today, I haven’t managed to get over it,” he expressed.
When his assistant, Danielle, asked if he would contribute to the book, Klopp immediately agreed, wanting to honor Jota’s memory. Yet, he now feels unprepared, stating, “I have spent most of my life talking, and now I simply lack the words. It’s incredibly difficult…”
During his time with the Portugal national team, Jota earned 49 caps, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists, contributing to two UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.
Jota achieved significant success at Liverpool, winning four trophies including a Premier League title, an FA Cup, and two EFL Cups.
