By Sunday 
For most Liverpool fans, Diogo Jota was simply Jota — the clever, clinical forward who made Anfield roar more than a few times since arriving from Wolves. But few realized that the name on the back of his shirt told a quiet, clever story of identity and distinction.
The Name That Wasn’t
Diogo Jota was born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva — a strong, classic Portuguese name. But with “Silva” being one of the most common surnames in Portugal, the young star needed something that stood out as he climbed the ranks in professional football.
That’s when a nickname — originally just a way to avoid being lumped in with countless other “Silvas” — stuck. “Diogo J.” quickly evolved into Jota, pronounced just like the letter “J” in Portuguese. From the academy fields to the Premier League lights, “Jota” became his footballing identity.
The Wolves Exception
Interestingly, there was a brief blip in this naming journey. When Jota arrived at Wolves on loan from Atlético Madrid in 2017, EFL regulations required players to use their actual surname. So, for a season, “Silva” returned to the back of his shirt.
But once Wolves gained promotion to the Premier League, Jota was back — in name and number — and never looked back. When Liverpool secured his signature in 2020 for £41 million, the No. 20 jersey came with “Diogo J.”, not “Silva.” And that’s how the fans came to know him.
Beyond the Name
It’s hard to talk about Jota right now without a heavy heart. The news of his tragic passing in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother Andre, stunned the footballing world. At just 28, Jota had already won the FA Cup, League Cup, and a Premier League title with Liverpool. He had more goals, more moments, and more magic to offer.
He had also just gotten married to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, only 11 days before his death. The two shared three children. His final Instagram post? A wedding video, captioned: “A day we will never forget ❤️.”
An Identity That Meant More
Names carry weight. For Jota, the decision to step away from “Silva” wasn’t about rejecting his heritage. It was about carving a unique path in a sport full of stars and silhouettes. “Diogo J.” wasn’t just branding — it was individuality, precision, and purpose. Everything Jota brought to the pitch.
Today, fans around the world are remembering him not just for the goals, the trophies, or the clever turns of play — but for the quiet choices, like the name on his back, that made him unforgettable.
Rest easy, Diogo J. Your name is now etched forever in football history.