Jota, a former Spanish footballer known for his stints with clubs like Brentford, Birmingham, Aston Villa, and Alavés, retired from professional football in October 2022, at the relatively young age of 31. Despite receiving an enticing three-year contract offer from a Spanish club, he decided to step away from the game, citing a lack of enjoyment.
Having played for both Birmingham teams, Jota’s move to Aston Villa was anticipated to pair him as a creative force alongside Jack Grealish in midfield. However, his time at Villa Park was marred by disappointment. His two-year contract was terminated prematurely, with just 16 appearances for Villa to his name. Notably, an incident during training where he was headbutted by Dani Drinkwater marked a particularly low point.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Jota expressed disillusionment with the modern football landscape. He lamented the shift towards a more tactical and physically demanding style of play, which, in his view, stifled individual creativity and flair. Despite initial resistance from those urging him to continue playing, Jota felt a loss of motivation, ultimately leading to his retirement.
Post-football, Jota has transitioned into the role of CEO at Groinn, a company specializing in agricultural technology. Through partnerships with the Spanish government, Groinn aims to revolutionize farming practices with digital solutions, projected to reach a value of £600 million by 2025.
Expanding their horizons, Groinn is exploring new markets in Portugal, Northern Europe, and North America. Jota’s vision extends beyond borders, with plans to establish a second headquarters abroad.
Groinn’s flagship product is a wireless monitoring system designed to optimize crop management, offering real-time insights and guidance to farmers. The company’s innovative approach has attracted attention globally, with negotiations underway with various governments and corporations.
Financial projections paint a promising future for Groinn, with forecasts indicating exponential growth in the coming years, potentially reaching a value of £3 billion by the third year. Jota remains committed to reinvesting profits into the company’s expansion while ensuring shareholders, including himself, reap the rewards.
