KUALA LUMPUR – Paulo Josue never imagined that a fleeting encounter more than a decade ago would become one of the most poignant memories of his football career. Today, that memory is tinged with sorrow and regret.
The national team forward is mourning the untimely deaths of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva, who were killed in a car crash yesterday.
Josue first met Jota in Brazil in 2014, during a friendly tournament in which he represented Esporte Clube Juventude, while Jota was playing for F.C. Paços de Ferreira.
“One of my biggest regrets is not taking a photo with him that day,” Josue said to Scoop, his voice heavy with emotion.
“I never thought it would be the last time I’d see him. I wish I had something more than just the memory.”
To Josue, Jota was more than just a Liverpool star admired from afar. He was someone he had faced on the pitch, someone whose talent and humility left a lasting impression long before fame found him.
“He wasn’t just an exceptional player—he inspired me, especially because he was living out the dream I’ve always had: to play for Liverpool, the club I’ve supported my whole life.”
“He was electrifying, incredibly fast and sharp. My teammates, particularly the defenders, struggled to keep up with him. You could tell he was destined for greatness.”
Now a mainstay in the Malaysian Super League for Kuala Lumpur City, Josue continues to process the loss of someone who, to him, symbolised passion, humility, and relentless drive.
“His love for the game was evident every time he played, whether for Paços or Liverpool. The football world hasn’t just lost a player—we’ve lost a wonderful person.”
Former national footballer and Selangor legend D. Surendran, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, also paid tribute to Jota, calling his death a “massive blow” to the club.
“He was crucial during our Premier League-winning season. His goals were clever, instinctive, and often unstoppable. He had the potential to be the next Ian Rush,” Surendran told Scoop.
Despite the sorrow, Surendran believes Jota’s legacy will fuel Liverpool’s motivation for the season ahead.
“It’s a significant loss for Arne Slot and the team as they gear up for the 2025/26 season, but I believe they will come together. They’ll strive to win the league again—for him. That’s how they’ll pay tribute to his memory.”
Jota, 28, and André, 25, died early Thursday morning in a car accident on the A-52 motorway near Zamora, in northwestern Spain.
Spanish authorities reported that their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and caught fire. Both brothers were alone in the vehicle and died at the scene.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his tireless energy, precise finishing, and selfless play. His goals were pivotal in Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title campaign.
In a rare and emotional move, Liverpool FC announced that Jota’s iconic No. 20 shirt will be permanently retired—the first time in the club’s 133-year history that a jersey has been withdrawn.
As tributes continue to flow in from the football community, Josue’s heartfelt remarks highlight how even the briefest moments in football can create lasting memories and how profoundly the loss of one player can resonate worldwide. – July 4, 2025