Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has praised Diogo Jota, calling him an “exceptional player” and an “exceptional boy,” highlighting the Portuguese star’s impact both on and off the pitch.
Jota began his football journey at the Pacos de Ferreira academy near Porto, eventually catching the attention of Atlético Madrid in 2016. Though he never featured for the Spanish side, his move marked the start of a steady rise in European football.
After a successful loan at FC Porto, Jota joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League and an impressive run to the Europa League quarter-finals.
In 2020, Liverpool signed Jota for £45 million despite the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Klopp praised his arrival, noting Jota’s adaptability, goal-scoring instinct, and mentality as key traits that fit perfectly into Liverpool’s system.
“He has everything a Liverpool player needs,” Klopp said at the time.
Jota’s journey from Portugal’s lower leagues to becoming a Premier League and Champions League regular underscores his remarkable development and character.
