Diogo Jota was playing through the pain of a collapsed lung so he could help Portugal beat Spain in the Nations League before his tragic death, his physio has confirmed
Diogo Jota Played Through Hidden Lung Condition Weeks Before Tragic Death, Reveals Physio
In the wake of Diogo Jota’s devastating passing, his longtime physiotherapist Miguel Goncalves has revealed that the Liverpool forward had been quietly battling a serious medical condition—pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung—in the final weeks of his life.
Driven by his unshakeable commitment to Liverpool’s title run and a fierce desire to represent Portugal in their Nations League triumph over Spain, Jota made the selfless decision to delay surgery for the condition. The 28-year-old was determined to play through the pain and contribute until the end of the season, despite the physical toll.
Tragically, just five hours after a final appointment with Mr. Goncalves, Jota and his younger brother André Silva lost their lives in a fatal car crash in Zamora, Spain. The brothers were en route to Santander, where they planned to catch a ferry to England. The journey was deliberately timed for the cooler night hours, offering more comfort for Jota as he managed his condition.
“They were going to travel at night because it was cooler,” Goncalves told Record, a Portuguese outlet. “They weren’t heading directly there, but had planned the route carefully. Diogo’s professionalism and care for his health were always evident.”
The plan was to arrive in England by ferry, with the rest of the family flying over later in the week. Jota had even scheduled a medical appointment for Monday in Liverpool to assess his condition. He had been advised against flying due to the health risks posed by pneumothorax.
The crash occurred early Thursday morning. Authorities later confirmed the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini that veered off the road due to a tyre blowout before catching fire. Emergency services arrived quickly but were unable to save the occupants.
In the face of online rumours and speculation, Goncalves also firmly dispelled claims that the pair had been out partying. “I’ve read some things on the internet that are deeply regrettable,” he said. “Let me be clear—Diogo and André weren’t out drinking or partying. They lived quiet lives. There is nothing about their final hours that deserves judgment or correction.”
The Liverpool and Portuguese football communities continue to mourn the loss of a man remembered not just for his talent, but for his extraordinary character and selfless drive.
A wake will be held for Jota on Friday at 3pm in São Cosme, with the funeral taking place on Saturday morning at 10am at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar—just 30 minutes from his hometown of Porto. The service comes just weeks after Jota had married his childhood sweetheart, Rute, in the same region, leaving behind a young family and a grieving nation.