Diogo Jota’s Former Teammate Opens Up About ‘Depression’ He’s Faced Since Soccer Star’s Death: ‘No Need to Be Ashamed’

In a candid interview with Radio France, former Liverpool player Ibrahima Konaté has opened up about the profound grief and depression he has experienced following the tragic deaths of his teammate Diogo Jota and his father, Hamady, in the past year. The 27-year-old defender spoke about his struggles with mental health after the loss of Jota, who was killed in a car crash just days after his wedding in July 2025, and his father’s subsequent illness and death in January.

Konaté described his emotional state in the wake of Jota’s passing as “devastated,” revealing how the tragedy left him with little interest in anything beyond football. He recounted that Liverpool resumed training and matches just ten days after Jota’s death, a decision driven by a responsibility to honour their late teammate’s memory. “We had no choice but to go back on the pitch and play for Diogo and his family, as well as for ourselves,” Konaté explained.

Despite this professionalism, Konaté admitted that he found it challenging to cope with such overwhelming sorrow. He felt torn between his duty to his team and the need to support his family during his father’s illness. “I didn’t know what to do. Should I go home, or should I continue playing? The team needed me too,” he shared, highlighting the difficult balance between personal grief and professional obligations.

In his interview, Konaté stressed the importance of communication in dealing with mental health issues. He recollected his own experience of suffering in silence, remarking: “I kept it all to myself.” He encouraged others who might be facing similar struggles to reach out to those around them. “It can help you and do you good,” he stated, reflecting on the positive impact that sharing one’s feelings can have.

Konaté also touched on the stigma surrounding mental health in sports, particularly football. He pointed out that individuals often struggle to understand that depression can affect anyone, regardless of financial success. “It’s true that I’ve often heard players say they were suffering from depression and that fans or people on the outside didn’t understand because they were earning a lot of money,” he noted, dismissing this notion as a fallacy. He urged that it is essential to recognise the depth and personal nature of depression, clarifying, “When you’re depressed, it starts in the heart, goes up to the brain and takes over your whole body.”

The tragic death of Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother, André Silva, who was also a professional footballer, shocked the football community. The collision occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and players alike. In its official statement, Liverpool FC expressed their devastation over the loss, urging respect for the privacy of Jota and Silva’s families as they navigated this heartbreaking situation.

This recent tragedy has brought to the forefront the critical conversation surrounding mental health within professional sports. Many athletes face immense pressures, yet cultural attitudes towards mental health often discourage open discussions. Konaté’s willingness to share his struggle highlights a growing movement amongst professional athletes to advocate for mental well-being and to challenge the stigma associated with mental health issues.

As Konaté continues to reflect on his experiences, he hopes that by speaking out, he may help others in similar positions find the courage to confront their challenges. He concluded, “You can suffer from depression in football too; there’s no need to be ashamed to say so.” His message serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and support in a world where mental health struggles can often go unrecognised.

In the wake of such personal loss, Konaté’s insight offers valuable lessons not only for fellow athletes but also for individuals across various walks of life. Encouraging open dialogue around mental health can play a vital role in fostering understanding and healing—qualities that are essential, especially in the aftermath of tragedy.