Tributes have poured in as the football community marks one year since the passing of former Liverpool and Wolves forward Diogo Jota. Players and coaches who worked closely with him have shared fond memories, highlighting his character, humility, and competitive spirit.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who signed Jota for Wolves, described him as a "very special" young player who was "warm, humble and determined." He noted that Jota's initial struggles in the Championship helped shape him into the player he became, emphasizing his refusal to give up and his resilient attitude.
"Everyone loved Diogo, absolutely everyone," Santo told BBC Sport. "Everyone at the club, everyone in the dressing room. Everyone. Even now, it's difficult to think about him without feeling sad. He was an extraordinary young man, and we all miss him very much."
Former Wolves defender Conor Coady echoed these sentiments, recalling Jota as an "incredible human being with such honesty and humility." Coady praised Jota's selflessness and competitive drive, even in casual games. "He's one of the biggest team players I've ever seen. Every day with us, he showed that selfless nature," Coady said.
Coady also reflected on the significant adjustment Jota made by moving from Porto in Portugal to the English Championship at a young age. He noted that Jota, alongside other Portuguese players like Ruben Neves, helped foster a new culture at Wolves. "From the first day he came in at Wolves, you saw the competitive nature that set him apart too," Coady added.
"He was professional, committed and a really clever fella. Straight from the get-go, you knew he meant business and you saw that when we got promoted at the first attempt," Coady continued, recounting Jota's immediate impact after arriving from Portugal. He also highlighted Jota's integration into the team, stating, "They mingled, they were getting in with the lads, organising things off the pitch and inviting everyone else. He threw himself into absolutely everything."
Among Jota's memorable moments at Wolves was his goal in an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. Coady described it as a goal "made for Diogo Jota," showcasing his tenacity and skill.
Upon Jota's transfer to Liverpool, Coady expressed happiness for his former teammate's significant career move. "I couldn't have been happier for him for what he achieved," he stated, acknowledging that Liverpool was a fitting next step for the player.
"To have shared a dressing room with Diogo was an absolute honour," Coady concluded.