“It was very Tough” – Diogo Jota Reflects on Liverpool’s Title-Winning Season | OneFootball

Diogo Jota’s Premier League Journey: From Gondomar to Glory

When Diogo Jota dreamt of a future in football, it was the Premier League that lit the path. Growing up in Gondomar, Portugal, the vision wasn’t of lifting trophies but simply making it to England’s top tier. That ambition materialised at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Jota first made his mark in English football. But what followed at Liverpool has catapulted him into a completely different realm.

Jota’s transition from Wolves to Liverpool in 2020 marked a step up in expectation, pressure and opportunity. Under Jürgen Klopp and now Arne Slot, he has been a consistent contributor, even when injuries have disrupted his rhythm. Last season, despite a setback midway through the campaign, Jota played 26 times and helped guide Liverpool to the Premier League title — Slot’s first in charge and the Reds’ second in five years.

Photo: IMAGO

Key Role Despite Injury Challenges

Jota’s 2024/25 season wasn’t plain sailing. A significant injury during a period of strong form might have derailed many players’ campaigns, but Jota remained focused and impactful when it mattered.

“It was a very tough season for me, where I got a proper injury halfway through it, where I was playing well. It didn’t help at all,” Jota told Liverpoolfc.com. “So, to arrive at this particular season with the title that I’ve been chasing for a lot of years and in the best league in the world – for me where I dreamed to play as a kid – it’s a moment I will cherish forever.”

That sentiment echoes strongly throughout his reflection. Not only did he fulfil a boyhood dream of playing in the Premier League, he surpassed it by becoming a league champion with Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in world football.

From Humble Beginnings to Elite Success

For Jota, the journey has never been about instant stardom. His rise has been steady, built on adaptability, relentless pressing and intelligent positioning. His attacking versatility has made him an invaluable asset through multiple systems, whether under Klopp’s aggressive counter-press or Slot’s more measured control.

“It is a remarkable achievement for a small guy that came from Gondomar, where I had this dream. To arrive at this moment was outstanding,” he said.

Photo: IMAGO

Unlocking the Next Level at Liverpool

Joining Liverpool didn’t just offer Jota a bigger platform, it opened up a new layer of ambition. What began as the fulfilment of a dream at Wolves soon evolved into title aspirations.

“I achieved the moment, I fulfilled my dream when I played for Wolverhampton, because I was there. But then when you achieve a dream you unlock another phase, another level, another step and when I came to Liverpool I knew that was possible. I did it in the end.

“I think from the moment I arrived I always played a big part in the teams throughout the years with [Jürgen] Klopp and now with Arne, and finally we did it.”

For Jota, the Premier League wasn’t the ceiling. It was the floor of a much bigger house he is still building.