In the wake of the shocking car crash that claimed the lives of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, new details have emerged from the medical professional who treated Jota in the days leading up to the accident. These firsthand revelations offer a heartbreaking yet deeply respectful portrait of the Liverpool and Portugal star’s final hours—putting to rest harmful rumors and honoring the player’s integrity, discipline, and humanity.
The Tragic Timeline
On July 3, 2025, news broke that Diogo Jota, 28, had been killed in a high-speed car crash in Cernadilla, Spain, after the Lamborghini he and his brother were traveling in veered off the A-52 motorway, flipped multiple times, and burst into flames. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
But now, Dr. Miguel Gonçalves, the respiratory specialist who oversaw Jota’s recovery from recent lung surgery, has come forward to share the player’s final interactions—and debunk the rumors swirling online.
“He Was Calm, Focused, and Grateful,” Says Doctor
Dr. Gonçalves treated Jota at Hospital São João in Porto following a surgery for a pneumothorax, a condition involving collapsed lung tissue. Because flying was ruled out during recovery, Jota chose to drive back to Liverpool by car, accompanied by his older brother.
“We had our last consultation around 8:30 p.m. on July 2. Jota was in good spirits, fully recovered, and excited to return to training,” said Dr. Gonçalves.
“He asked detailed questions about travel safety and followed every single recommendation. He was a model patient.”
The Road Home
Jota and André had planned a multi-day trip by car from Porto to the UK, with a planned overnight rest in northern Spain. They left the hospital with a careful plan, intending to drive during cooler hours and avoid fatigue. But sometime in the early hours of July 3, while overtaking on the highway near Zamora, their car suffered a tire blowout at high speed.
“This wasn’t recklessness. This was a freak mechanical failure at the worst possible time,” the doctor added.
Refuting the Party Rumors
As speculation mounted online, some falsely claimed that Jota had been partying the night before or driving irresponsibly. Dr. Gonçalves categorically denied these accusations:
“It deeply upsets me. He was not partying. He was not intoxicated. Diogo left my care with a water bottle in hand, not champagne. He was committed to his career, to his health, and to his family.”
A Final Goodbye
The most haunting moment in the doctor’s testimony came when he described saying goodbye:
“He shook my hand, smiled, and said, ‘See you next season, doctor. And thank you.’ That was the last thing he ever said to me.”
A Nation in Mourning
Portugal, Liverpool, and the global footballing community continue to mourn the loss of a player beloved not just for his on-field brilliance, but for his humility and work ethic off it.
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A public vigil was held in Gondomar, his hometown.
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Liverpool FC has suspended all pre-season activities to honor his memory.
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Stars like Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Virgil van Dijk have paid tribute.
Legacy of a Fighter
Diogo Jota leaves behind his wife—whom he married just 11 days prior to the crash—and their three young children. His legacy now transcends football: he is remembered as a disciplined athlete, a devoted son and brother, and a man who died with honor.
“Jota faced life with intensity, and he left it with dignity,” said Dr. Gonçalves.