Diogo Jota Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 22, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the perfect blend of humility, consistency, and clinical finishing quite like Diogo Jota. Now a cornerstone of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool FC and a vital figure for the Portuguese national team, Jota has evolved from a promising winger with a point to prove into one of the most feared and efficient forwards in world football.
No longer just a rotational option or “super sub,” Jota has cemented his status as a Premier League elite striker—a player whose impact often speaks louder than headlines.
Then: The Early Years – A Humble Rise in Portugal (1996–2017)
1. Roots in Porto and Early Promise
Born on December 4, 1996, in Pacos de Ferreira, Portugal, Diogo José Teixeira da Silva—known professionally as Diogo Jota—grew up in a football-loving family. At just 7 years old, he joined the youth academy of FC Porto, one of Portugal’s most prestigious clubs.
Despite his early promise, Diogo Jota was released by Porto at 17—a devastating setback that could have derailed his career. But rather than give up, he returned to his hometown club, Pacos de Ferreira, where he would begin his professional journey.
2. Breakthrough at Pacos de Ferreira
In 2014, at just 18, Diogo Jota made his senior debut for Pacos. His explosive pace, intelligent movement, and two-footed finishing quickly made him a standout. By the 2015–16 season, he had scored 7 goals in 26 appearances, attracting attention from bigger clubs.
His performances earned him a €4.5 million transfer to Atletico Madrid in 2016—a dream move, but one that didn’t go as planned.
3. Atletico Madrid and Loan to Wolves
Atletico Madrid signed Jota with high hopes, but he never made a competitive appearance for the first team. Instead, he was immediately loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Championship for the 2017–18 season.
It was in England—under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo—that Jota truly began to shine.
Related: Trent Alexander-Arnold Then and Now
The Rise: From Championship Star to Premier League Force (2018–2020)
1. Instant Impact at Wolves
Diogo Jota adapted to English football with astonishing ease. In his debut season (2017–18), he scored 17 goals in all competitions, helping Wolves win promotion to the Premier League.
In the 2018–19 season, he continued to impress—scoring crucial goals against top sides like Manchester City and Liverpool. His versatility, work rate, and composure in front of goal made him one of the league’s most underrated attackers.
2. Permanent Move and Growing Recognition
Wolves exercised their buy option in 2018, signing Jota permanently for €14 million. Over the next two seasons, he established himself as a Premier League star, scoring 23 goals in 79 appearances and earning his first caps for Portugal.
His performances caught the eye of Europe’s elite—especially Liverpool FC.
Related: Gabriel Martinelli Then and Now
Now: The Liverpool Legend (2020–2025)
1. Arrival at Anfield – The Perfect Fit
In September 2020, Liverpool signed Diogo Jota for £41 million—a significant investment in a player who had never played for a top-four club. But Klopp saw in Jota what others didn’t: a versatile, intelligent, and selfless forward who could thrive in Liverpool’s high-pressing system.
From day one, Jota justified the faith:
- Scored on his debut against Arsenal
- Netted a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in the 2021 Champions League
- Became the first Liverpool player to score in six consecutive home games since Mohamed Salah
2. Key Role in Liverpool’s 2024–25 Campaign
By 2025, Jota has evolved into one of Liverpool’s most reliable and impactful players:
- Starting striker in Klopp’s final seasons and under new manager Arne Slot
- Top scorer in the 2023–24 season with 19 Premier League goals
- Instrumental in Liverpool’s 2024 FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs
- Played a crucial role in their 2024–25 UEFA Champions League campaign, including a decisive goal against PSG in the quarterfinals
His ability to play across the front line—as a central striker, left winger, or second forward—makes him invaluable in a squad navigating transition.
3. Evolution as a Complete Forward
Once known primarily for his pace and finishing, Jota has refined his game by 2025:
- Improved defensive contribution – pressing with intensity
- Greater positional intelligence – knowing when to drift wide or drop deep
- Leadership on the pitch – mentoring younger attackers like Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley
- Mental resilience – overcoming multiple injuries with determination
His left-footed curlers, near-post runs, and late arrivals into the box have become signature traits.
4. Injury Comebacks and Resilience
Jota’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. He missed significant time due to:
- A knee injury in late 2021
- A hamstring rupture in early 2023
- A groin issue in 2024
Each time, he returned stronger, fitter, and more determined—earning admiration for his professionalism and grit.
Related: Theo Hernández Then and Now
International Career: Portugal’s Trusted Finisher
1. Integral to Portugal’s Golden Generation
Since his debut in 2019, Jota has become a mainstay in Fernando Santos’ and Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squads. By 2025, he has earned over 45 caps and scored 18 goals.
Key moments include:
- Scoring in Euro 2020 (vs. Germany)
- Crucial goals in 2022 World Cup qualifiers
- Starting role at Euro 2024, where Portugal reached the semifinals
- Penalty shootout hero in the 2024 quarterfinal against France
Though often playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, Jota has carved out a role as the silent assassin—the player who scores when it matters most.
2. Life After Ronaldo
As Portugal transitions into a post-Ronaldo era, Jota is seen as a potential leader—not through captaincy, but through example, consistency, and big-game performances.
Related: Victor Osimhen Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Known for his quiet demeanor and strong work ethic, Jota lives a grounded life in Cheshire, England, with his long-term partner, Joana Diniz, and their two children. He rarely seeks the spotlight, preferring to let his performances speak for themselves.
He is deeply connected to his Portuguese roots and frequently visits family in the north of the country. He’s also involved in charity work, supporting youth football programs in both Portugal and the UK.
Fans affectionately call him “Silent Assassin” or “DJ”—a nod to his calmness and lethal efficiency.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (2025)
By 2025, Diogo Jota is no longer just a squad player or a transfer success story. He is:
- A fan favorite at Anfield
- One of the most efficient forwards in the Premier League
- A symbol of resilience, adaptability, and humility
He represents a new kind of footballing hero—one who doesn’t need constant praise, flashy celebrations, or social media dominance. His legacy is built on goals in silence, runs unnoticed, and loyalty to the team.
He’s also proof that not all stars are born at elite academies—some are forged through rejection, perseverance, and belief.
Conclusion: Diogo Jota – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 17-year-old released by FC Porto, fighting for a chance at a small club in northern Portugal.
- Now: A Premier League champion, multiple cup winner, Champions League contender, and key figure for club and country.
Diogo Jota’s journey is a testament to never giving up, trusting the process, and letting your feet do the talking. He didn’t arrive with fanfare—he earned everything, one goal, one sprint, one comeback at a time.
As Liverpool enters a new era and Portugal builds its future, one thing is certain:
Diogo Jota may not always be the loudest voice.
But he will always be one of the most important.
🔥 “I don’t need the spotlight. I just want to score, win, and make the fans proud.” – Diogo Jota (2025)
Related: Marcus Rashford Then and Now