Diogo Jota’s Death: Medical Reasons Behind the Decision to Avoid Flying Before the Car Crash

• Diogo Jota was reportedly en route to catch a ferry when he tragically lost his life in a car accident in northern Spain
• The Liverpool star had recently undergone surgery and was advised by medical professionals to avoid air travel
• YEN.com.gh has looked at medical reasons why flying was dangerous for Jota if he ignored his doctors' guidance

The broader football world is still reeling from the news that Liverpool’s Diogo Jota died in a horrific car crash on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

The 28-year-old was travelling with his younger brother, André Silva when tragedy struck.

Both men lost their lives after their Lamborghini veered off the road near Cernadilla, in northern Spain, and burst into flames.

The crash happened just two weeks after Jota married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso.

Why doctors advised Diogo Jota to drive

According to BBC Sport, Jota had recently undergone minor lung surgery, which ruled out flying as a safe option.

After lung surgery, a medical risk known as pneumothorax can occur, where air becomes trapped inside the chest cavity.

Therefore, Doctors had reportedly recommended that he avoid air travel, so he planned to take a drive and then return by ferry instead.

That meant making a road trip from Porto, where his wedding took place, to the northern Spanish port of Santander - about 190 miles away.

From there, the footballer was expected to catch a boat to the UK and report for Liverpool’s pre-season training.

Ironically, Jota had taken this same journey in reverse just weeks earlier, heading to Porto for his wedding celebrations.

Details on air travel restrictions for Diogo Jota

According to Boyle’s Law, air expands when external pressure drops, as it does at high altitudes during flights.

This expansion could trigger a partial or complete lung collapse, which could have been potentially life-threatening.

Commercial aircraft cabins are pressurised to levels equivalent to 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. For someone recovering from lung issues, this reduced oxygen level can pose serious risks, including shortness of breath or low blood oxygen levels.

While private jets offer flexibility, such as flying at lower altitudes or carrying oxygen equipment, a clean bill of health and a chest X-ray confirming full recovery is still essential before boarding any flight, with even chartered air travel being risky.

Diogo Jota was expected at Liverpool training

As fans, friends, and family try to come to terms with the loss, what makes Jota’s death even more gut-wrenching is the timing.

He was just days away from reuniting with his Liverpool teammates for the start of a new season under manager Arne Slot.

The club, the fans, and the football world are still reeling from the sudden and devastating news about the Portuguese star.

Meanwhile, Liverpool is reportedly considering retiring Jota's jersey number 20 as a permanent tribute to honour his memory.

Aftermath of Diogo Jota’s tragic accident

YEN.com.gh also reported that following Diogo Jota's death in a car accident, locals have branded Spain's A52 highway as dangerous.

The footballer and his brother were suspected to have perished after a tyre blowout on a road known for its poor and potholed state.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh