Jurgen Klopp has spoken movingly about the devastating death of Diogo Jota, describing the loss of his former Liverpool forward as “like losing a family member.”
Jota, 28, was tragically killed in an accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in early July just days after marrying his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. The Portugal international, who leaves behind three young children, had been a hugely popular figure both in the dressing room and among supporters.
Klopp, now head of football operations at Red Bull, reflected on the news in a deeply emotional conversation on The Diary of a CEO podcast. The former Liverpool manager said he struggled to comprehend the tragedy when he first learned of it.
“I got a message in the morning that it was bad news, from a friend from Liverpool, and I couldn’t believe it,” Klopp recalled.
“It was not possible. I heard it, I knew what it meant. I saw all the pictures from the wedding and the boys were there… I know exactly where I was and how long I sat there without speaking a word.”
Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolves for £41 million in 2020, said the impact of his death went far beyond football. He described Jota as an integral part of Liverpool’s fabric someone whose energy, personality, and humility made him loved by everyone at the club.
“I cannot imagine the dressing room right now without him being there,” Klopp said quietly. “That’s for the boys as well. Nobody at Liverpool will ever use it as an excuse… He was so close with James Milner, very close with Kostas Tsimikas that’s moon and Mars. Dealing with it on a personal level… impossible.”
The 57-year-old, who left Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season after nine transformative years in charge, spoke about the unique challenge of dealing with loss in a sport that so often demands resilience and focus.
“It’s exactly like a family member,” Klopp continued. “It’s an example of the things you have to deal with without knowing at all. You cannot be prepared for something like this. You have to sort things you hadn’t expected.”
“I was impressed with his presence a very special young man,” he added. “He had this ability to light up a room without trying. It’s something you cannot teach.”
During their four seasons together, Klopp and Jota shared many memorable moments. The forward made an instant impact at Anfield, scoring on his debut and quickly establishing himself as a vital part of Liverpool’s attacking options. His sharpness, movement, and intelligence in the final third made him a favourite of Klopp, who often praised Jota’s professionalism and calm temperament.
Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup under Klopp, and was part of the squad that reached the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.
Reflecting on their relationship, Klopp said Jota embodied everything he valued in a player commitment, humility, and the right mentality.
“He never complained, never caused a problem. You could always trust him completely,” Klopp said. “He played through pain, he worked hard, and he cared deeply about his teammates. These are the players you never forget the ones who make your team better just by being part of it.”
Despite leaving Liverpool in 2024, Klopp maintained a close bond with several of his former players, including Jota. The two stayed in touch regularly, and the German often spoke warmly about his time working with him.
“For me, he wasn’t just a player he was someone I really liked as a person,” Klopp reflected. “He was funny, incredibly smart, and always had time for everyone. It’s hard to describe how much someone like that can mean to a group. He made life better around him.”
The tragedy has deeply affected the Liverpool squad and fanbase. In the days following the news, tributes poured in from across football from former teammates, clubs, and supporters around the world. Flags and shirts bearing Jota’s name were laid outside Anfield, where supporters gathered to pay their respects.
Klopp admitted that trying to make sense of such loss is something he still finds impossible.
“You never think something like this can happen to one of your boys,” he said. “You see them every day, full of life, joking, working, giving everything and then suddenly they’re gone. It doesn’t feel real.”
“I don’t know if there’s any right way to deal with it. You just hold onto the memories, the smiles, the small things. That’s all you can do.”
“Diogo was impressive in every way,” Klopp concluded. “A special talent, yes — but above all, a special human being. That’s what I’ll remember most.”
Jota’s death has left a lasting mark on everyone connected to Liverpool. To Klopp and many others, he will forever remain part of the Liverpool family.
