Diogo Jota's final Liverpool goal surpassed David Beckham and epitomised his quality

Diogo Jota's last goal for Liverpool will be remembered fondly as it was the decisive strike in a 1-0 victory over Everton in April. The football community is mourning the loss of the Liverpool forward, who tragically died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva on Thursday.

The 28-year-old was a key member of the Liverpool team that secured the Premier League title last season. During his five years with the Reds, he also lifted the FA Cup and League Cup. Despite dealing with injuries for parts of last season, Jota scored six goals and provided four assists in 26 league outings. His final league goal, which clinched the Merseyside Derby at Anfield, saw him leapfrog multiple Premier League greats, including ex-England skipper David Beckham, in the all-time scoring charts.

Jota's final career goal came just before the hour mark against Everton, following a clever backheel from Luis Diaz on the edge of the box. The Portuguese striker weaved past numerous Everton defenders before slotting the ball past Jordan Pickford.

This marked Jota's 63rd goal in 190 Premier League appearances and his 47th for Liverpool. This crucial goal not only edged Arne Slot's side closer to the league title but also saw Jota surpass the Premier League goal records of Manchester United legend David Beckham and Arsenal icon Robert Pires (62).

He began his Premier League career by scoring 16 goals for Wolves over two seasons before making a £41million move to Liverpool in 2020. Notably, Jota's goal tally surpassed that of Pires in eight fewer games and also bettered Beckham's total in 265 appearances for Manchester United.

Reflecting on his winner in the Merseyside Derby, Jota told Liverpool's club website it was one of his career highlights. "Maybe, because of the importance, [it is my favourite goal]," he said. "I think now this one being a match-winner obviously has more importance. For sure one of my favourites.

"I remember when I came back from one of my injuries against Fulham as well, that goal was really important. I think I scored quite a few important goals this season and that's always what I try to do."

The football world has been paying tribute to Jota following his tragic death in a car accident in Spain's Zamora province. The incident occurred when a tyre blew out while the car was overtaking, also claiming the life of Jota's brother and fellow footballer Andre Silva.

Jota had recently married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso and the couple had three children together. Following Jota's death, Liverpool have released a statement mourning the loss of the forward.

The statement read: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."