REVEALED: Diogo Jota Canceled His Plane Ticket Just 68 Minutes Before the Crash — A Last-Minute Decision That Changed Everything
The Liverpool star wasn’t supposed to be on that road. His flight was confirmed at 9:45 AM — why did he cancel just over an hour before he died?
REVEALED: Diogo Jota Canceled His Plane Ticket Just 68 Minutes Before the Crash — A Last-Minute Decision That Changed Everything
On July 3, 2025, the football world was rocked by the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, alongside his younger brother André Silva, in a devastating car crash in northwestern Spain. The 28-year-old forward, who had just celebrated his wedding to long-term partner Rute Cardoso less than two weeks prior, was not supposed to be on the A-52 motorway in Zamora where the fatal accident occurred. Jota had a confirmed flight booked at 9:45 AM that morning, but a shocking revelation has emerged: he canceled his plane ticket just 68 minutes before the crash that claimed his life. This last-minute decision, driven by medical advice following a recent lung surgery, altered the course of his fate and sent shockwaves through the global football community.
A Dream Summer Turned Tragic
Diogo Jota was at the peak of his career and personal life. In the 2024-25 season, he played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 26 appearances. His contributions helped the Reds secure a record-equaling 20th top-flight title. Off the pitch, Jota’s life was equally fulfilling. On June 22, 2025, he married Rute Cardoso, his childhood sweetheart and mother of their three children—Denis, Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024. The couple shared joyful moments from their wedding on social media, with Jota captioning a post, “A day we will never forget,” and Rute writing, “Yes, forever.” Just days before his death, Jota commented on his wife’s Instagram post, calling himself “the lucky one.”
Jota’s final international appearance came in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory over Spain on June 8, 2025, where he played 27 minutes in a 2-1 win. His 49 caps and 14 goals for Portugal underscored his status as a national hero. Yet, this dream summer came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end on a remote stretch of the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain.
The Fatal Journey: Why Was Jota on the Road?
Jota and his brother André Silva, a 25-year-old professional footballer for Portuguese second-division club Penafiel, were traveling from Porto to Santander to catch a ferry back to the UK for Liverpool’s pre-season training, set to begin on July 7. According to multiple reports, Jota had undergone minor lung surgery following a rib injury sustained during a match against Chelsea in October 2024. Medical professionals advised him against flying due to potential complications, such as pulmonary discomfort. CNN Portugal’s sports editor, Rui Loura, confirmed that Jota was instructed to avoid air travel, leading him to opt for a 10-hour drive to Santander instead.
At 9:45 AM on July 2, 2025, Jota had a confirmed flight to return to England. However, just 68 minutes before the scheduled departure, he canceled his ticket, a decision that placed him and his brother in a green Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder on the A-52 motorway. At approximately 12:30 AM on July 3, tragedy struck. Spanish authorities reported that the car suffered a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, causing it to veer off the road, crash, and burst into flames. Both Jota and André were killed instantly. The wreckage, captured in haunting images by Spanish media, showed a charred Lamborghini amidst scorched vegetation, with tire marks indicating a loss of control.
A Decision That Changed Everything
The revelation that Jota canceled his flight just over an hour before the crash has sparked widespread speculation and grief. Why did he make such a last-minute decision? Sources suggest that Jota’s medical team reiterated their advice against flying due to the risks associated with his recent surgery. The procedure, described as minor but related to his lung function, necessitated a cautious approach. Instead of boarding a plane, Jota chose to drive with his brother, a journey that was meant to ensure his safety but instead led to an unimaginable tragedy.
Spanish police are investigating whether speed contributed to the accident, with initial reports citing “a possible speeding incident.” The Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder, capable of reaching speeds up to 200 mph, was a high-performance vehicle, and authorities are examining whether excessive speed exacerbated the consequences of the tire blowout. However, no conclusive evidence has confirmed the exact cause, and forensic tests are ongoing to determine who was driving at the time of the crash.
An Outpouring of Grief
The news of Jota’s death sent shockwaves through the football world. Liverpool Football Club issued a statement expressing their devastation: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. We request the privacy of Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates, and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.” Fans flocked to Anfield, leaving flowers, scarves, and messages, with one placard reading, “Diogo lives forever.” The club lowered its flag to half-mast, and tributes poured in from players, coaches, and fans worldwide.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £41 million, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father.” Current manager Arne Slot echoed these sentiments, describing Jota as “a friend to everyone” and “the essence of what a Liverpool player should be.”
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota in the Nations League, posted on X: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married.” Tributes also came from beyond football, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Prince William expressing their condolences. The Portuguese Football Federation called Jota “an extraordinary person” and requested a minute’s silence at the UEFA Women’s Euros match between Portugal and Spain.
A Legacy of Joy and Resilience
Diogo Jota’s career was marked by resilience and brilliance. Born in Porto on December 4, 1996, as Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, he rose through the ranks at Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid and later Wolverhampton Wanderers. His £41 million transfer to Liverpool in 2020 proved a masterstroke, as he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups. Known for his pace, dribbling, and high-pressing style, Jota was a fan favorite at Anfield, where his humility and dedication endeared him to supporters.
Off the pitch, Jota was a devoted family man. His bond with Rute Cardoso, whom he met in high school, was a cornerstone of his life. Their three children—two sons and a daughter—were a source of immense pride. Jota’s final social media post, shared just 19 hours before the crash, was a video from his wedding, captioned, “A day we will never forget.” The irony of those words now hangs heavy over his legacy.
A Community in Mourning
On July 5, 2025, Jota and André Silva’s funeral took place in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, attended by family, friends, and Liverpool teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, and Alexis Mac Allister. The private ceremony at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar was a somber farewell to two young lives cut short. Fans in Liverpool and Portugal continued to mourn, with vigils at Anfield and heartfelt messages flooding social media.
The tragedy has also reignited discussions about athlete safety and the pressures of travel during recovery periods. Jota’s decision to cancel his flight was made with his health in mind, yet it led to a catastrophic outcome. As investigations continue, questions linger about the circumstances of the crash and whether it could have been prevented.
Conclusion
Diogo Jota’s cancellation of his plane ticket 68 minutes before the crash was a decision rooted in caution but ended in tragedy. The football world has lost a remarkable talent and an even more remarkable person. His legacy—as a player, husband, father, and friend—will endure through the memories of those who knew him and the fans who chanted his name. As Liverpool manager Arne Slot said, “When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals, and we will sing his song.” For now, the world mourns a life taken too soon, forever etched in the hearts of those he touched.
