Jota’s Road to Recovery: Liverpool Star Opted for Cautious Travel After Lung Surgery
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota chose to drive from Portugal to Santander, Spain, to catch a ferry to the UK rather than fly—a decision made on medical advice following minor lung surgery, reportedly due to a collapsed lung. The journey was intended to ensure he could safely report for Liverpool’s pre-season training under Arne Slot, beginning Monday, July 7, 2025.
The move reflects both the physical demands placed on elite athletes and the medical precautions often needed post-surgery. According to general medical guidelines, air travel is typically discouraged for 2–6 weeks following procedures involving the lungs, due to the risk of barotrauma—where pressure changes in the cabin can cause complications like pneumothorax recurrence.
Instead, Jota, joined by his younger brother André, opted for a 600–800 mile road trip followed by a 24–30 hour ferry crossing from Santander to the UK. His decision allowed him to avoid altitude pressure risks and remain compliant with post-operative travel restrictions.
Traveling by car after lung surgery requires careful planning. Pain from surgical incisions, especially in procedures such as thoracoscopy or pleurodesis, can impair movement or reaction times. Additionally, opioid medications, if used, may affect alertness. However, the fact that Jota was cleared to travel suggests his pain was well-managed, likely with non-sedating medications such as paracetamol, and that his respiratory function was stable.
Having a co-driver—his brother—also offered protection against fatigue, a common issue post-surgery, especially given the lingering effects of anesthesia and reduced lung capacity. Frequent breaks would have been essential to prevent exhaustion and monitor symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, or dizziness.
Jota’s commitment to joining the squad underscores both his professional drive and the medical oversight ensuring his safety. His 2024–25 season was disrupted by multiple injuries, including rib issues and this recent lung surgery, limiting him to 19 Premier League starts, though he still contributed 10 goals and 4 assists.
Fans on social media have praised Jota’s determination and professionalism, viewing the trip as a reflection of both his dedication and the importance of family support. The tragedy that followed—the fatal accident on the A-52 motorway in Spain, which claimed the lives of both Jota and his brother—makes this all the more poignant.
Liverpool’s medical team had reportedly been in close communication with Jota and were set to monitor his reintegration closely at Kirkby, with the player expected to play a key role in Slot’s high-pressing 4-3-3 system during upcoming friendlies in the US and Europe.
While tragic in its outcome, Jota’s final journey illustrates how elite athletes must navigate the intersection of recovery, readiness, and responsibility, balancing health risks with professional commitments. It also serves as a sobering reminder that even with thorough planning and precaution, life remains fragile
