If you’re looking up how old is Diogo Jota, the answer is a bit more complicated than just a simple number on a birth certificate. Born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, Diogo Jota would be 29 years old today. But for anyone following the Premier League or the Portuguese national team, that number is frozen in time.
The football world was rocked on July 3, 2025. Diogo, along with his brother André, was involved in a tragic car accident in Spain. He was 28 years old at the time of his passing. It’s one of those moments that feels surreal even months later, especially when you see his name still pop up in FIFA squads or older match replays.
The Age Factor in Jota's Prime
When we talk about how old is Diogo Jota in the context of his career, 28 is arguably the "peak" for a modern forward. He had just come off a massive season where he helped Liverpool secure the 2024-25 Premier League title. Honestly, he was playing the best football of his life.
He wasn't just a "super-sub" anymore. He had become the focal point. At 28, you've got that perfect mix of youthful explosiveness and the veteran "know-how" to be in the right place at the right time. That’s what made the news so devastating—he was right in the middle of his golden years.
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A Timeline of the Portuguese Star
To understand the journey, you have to look at the milestones. He wasn't a "wonderkid" who exploded at 17. He was a slow burner.
- 17 Years Old: Making his professional debut for Paços de Ferreira.
- 19 Years Old: Signing for the giants Atlético Madrid (though he never actually played a competitive minute for them).
- 20 Years Old: Finding his feet on loan at Porto.
- 21-23 Years Old: Becoming a cult hero at Wolves and helping them storm the Premier League.
- 23-28 Years Old: The Liverpool era. 182 appearances. 65 goals.
What Diogo Jota Left Behind
It’s rare to see a club retire a shirt number these days, especially a club with a history as dense as Liverpool’s. But they did it. The number 20 is officially retired at Anfield. It’s a testament to the guy's character.
He was a family man. Married to his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, and a father of three. In an industry that can often feel corporate and cold, Jota felt like one of us—someone who just happened to be incredibly good at heading a ball despite being 5'10".
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The Contract Gesture
One thing that really stands out, and you might have seen this in the news recently, is how Liverpool handled his contract. Arne Slot confirmed that the club decided to pay out the remainder of Diogo’s contract to his family. We’re talking about £140,000 a week through June 2027. That’s roughly £14.5 million.
It’s a class move. You don't see that often in football. It shows the impact he had on the hierarchy at FSG and the fans.
Why the World Still Searches for Him
People keep asking how old is Diogo Jota because his presence is still felt in the game. Whether it's his "Jota on the wing" chant still echoing at Anfield or his massive presence in the gaming community (the guy was literally world-ranked in FIFA/EA Sports FC), he hasn't faded from the collective memory.
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He was a "clutch" player. If Liverpool needed a goal in the 85th minute, you bet your life it was going to be Jota. He had this weird "ghost" ability where he’d be invisible for 70 minutes and then suddenly pop up at the back post.
Living the Legacy
If you’re a fan looking to honor him, the best way is probably to just watch those 2024-25 highlights. That season was his masterpiece. He won the Premier League, the League Cup, and the Nations League with Portugal all in one calendar year.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Support the Academy: Jota’s childhood club, Gondomar S.C., renamed their academy after him in 2022. Supporting grassroots Portuguese football is a direct way to honor his roots.
- Check Official Tributes: Liverpool FC has released a permanent tribute gallery and video compilation of all 65 of his goals. It's worth a watch for any student of the game.
- Understand the Logistics: If you see "Voided" on financial sites like Spotrac regarding his 2026/27 seasons, know that it’s a technicality—the club is still honoring those payments privately to his estate.
He was 28. He would have been 29. But in the history books of Liverpool and Portugal, Diogo Jota will always be the smiling forward who never stopped running.