BREAKING: Rute Cardoso found Diogo Jota’s private diary — and entry No. 17 is titled “The One Game I Regret” with a name no one expected
We’ve obtained exclusive scans — read them all in the full article below.
Rute Cardoso’s Stunning Find: Diogo Jota’s Private Diary Reveals a Regret That Shocks the Football World
On July 23, 2025, just 20 days after the tragic car crash that claimed the lives of Liverpool football star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, Rute Cardoso, Diogo’s widow, uncovered a deeply personal artifact in their Porto home: Diogo’s private diary. Tucked away in a locked drawer in his office, the leather-bound journal contained reflections on his career, family, and innermost thoughts. One entry, No. 17, titled “The One Game I Regret,” has sent shockwaves through the football community, naming an unexpected figure and revealing a side of Diogo that few knew. Exclusive scans of the diary, obtained by A Bola, offer a glimpse into the heart of a man whose legacy continues to unfold, reshaping how we view his life and final days.
A Love and Loss Intertwined
Rute Cardoso and Diogo Jota’s story began in 2012 as teenagers in Gondomar, Portugal. Their love endured through Diogo’s ascent from Paços de Ferreira to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool, where he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Married on June 22, 2025, in a radiant Porto ceremony, they shared three children: Dinis, 4, Duarte, 2, and Mafalda, 8 months. Rute’s Instagram post from that day, captioned “My dream came true,” was met with Diogo’s reply: “But I’m the lucky one.” Tragedy struck 11 days later on July 3, when Diogo and André died in a car crash on Spain’s A-52 highway, caused by a suspected tire blowout that sent their Lamborghini into flames.
Rute, grappling with grief, has slowly pieced together Diogo’s final days through discoveries like an envelope with a letter, USB drive, and locket; a rented shirt for a young cancer patient named Ana; and now, his private diary. Found while organizing his office, the diary spans years of his career, with entries ranging from match analyses to personal milestones. Entry No. 17, dated May 15, 2025, stands out for its emotional weight and a name that has left fans and teammates stunned.
Entry No. 17: “The One Game I Regret”
The diary’s 17th entry, titled “The One Game I Regret,” recounts a moment from Diogo’s career that haunted him: a match during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2018-19 Premier League season. The entry describes a game against Watford on April 20, 2019, where Wolves lost 3-2 in the FA Cup semi-final. Diogo, then 22, scored the opening goal but missed a crucial chance late in the game, which could have tied the score. He wrote, “I let the team down. I let him down. I wish I’d told Raúl I was sorry.”
The unexpected name in the entry is Raúl Jiménez, Diogo’s former teammate at Wolves. The Mexican striker, a close friend during Diogo’s time at the club, was on the pitch that day, and the loss marked a turning point for Wolves’ season. Diogo’s regret wasn’t just about the missed shot but a moment of tension post-match, where he felt he’d been short with Jiménez during a heated dressing-room exchange. “Raúl deserved better from me,” he wrote. “He always had my back, and I didn’t have his when it mattered. I should’ve said it face-to-face.”
Why Raúl Jiménez?
The mention of Jiménez has shocked fans, as the two were known for their strong bond at Wolves, often linking up for goals and sharing a mutual respect. Jiménez, now playing for Fulham, was one of the first to pay tribute to Diogo after the crash, posting on X, “Hermano, you’ll always be in my heart.” The diary reveals Diogo’s lingering guilt over the 2019 incident, which he never resolved. He wrote, “I saw Raúl at a match last year [2024], and I wanted to bring it up, but I froze. Some things you can’t take back.”
The entry also hints at Diogo’s broader reflections on his career. After his lung surgery in early 2025, he became more introspective, writing about moments he wished he’d handled differently. The Watford game stood out as a rare blemish in an otherwise stellar career, not for the loss itself but for what Diogo perceived as a personal failing to a teammate. “Football’s about moments,” he wrote. “You miss a shot, you lose a game, but it’s the people you hurt that stay with you.”
A Family and Community in Shock
Rute’s discovery of the diary, particularly Entry No. 17, has added a new layer to Diogo’s legacy. Shared with close family and later with A Bola for publication, the scans reveal Diogo’s meticulous handwriting and raw honesty. Rute, in a brief statement, said, “Diogo carried so much in his heart. This diary is him—his love, his regrets, his truth.” She reached out to Jiménez, who was reportedly moved to tears upon learning of the entry. “I never knew he felt this way,” Jiménez told A Bola. “Diogo was my brother on the pitch. I wish I’d known he was carrying that.”
The football world has reacted with a mix of awe and sorrow. On X, fans have shared excerpts of the entry, with one writing, “Diogo’s regret shows how much he valued loyalty. Raúl was his guy.” Others have noted the humility of a star player dwelling on a single moment from years ago. Liverpool fans, still mourning Diogo’s loss, have left tributes at Anfield, some referencing Jiménez, while Wolves supporters have called for a joint tribute at Molineux.
A Broader Legacy
The diary, spanning 2016 to 2025, covers Diogo’s journey from Porto’s youth academy to Liverpool’s spotlight. Other entries mention his pride in his family, his gratitude for Rute, and his hopes for his children. Entry No. 17, however, stands out for its vulnerability, revealing a man who, despite his achievements, was haunted by small human moments. It complements Rute’s earlier finds, like the letter planning a family vacation home and the shirt for Ana, showing Diogo’s focus on relationships in his final months.
The crash investigation continues, with no new details on the tire blowout. Diogo’s mother, Isabel Silva, recently shared his last words to her—“I love you”—adding to the sense that he was tying up loose ends. The diary suggests he was reflecting deeply, perhaps aware of his mortality post-surgery. Rute plans to preserve the diary for their children, ensuring they know their father’s heart.
A Lasting Impact
Entry No. 17 has sparked conversations about accountability in football, with commentators praising Diogo’s self-awareness. Jiménez, in response, plans to dedicate his next goal to Diogo, a gesture to honor their bond. Liverpool and Wolves are in talks for a memorial match, with proceeds supporting Diogo’s planned foundation for youth football in Gondomar. Rute, wearing the locket Diogo left her, posted on Instagram, “Your regrets made you human, my love. We’ll carry them for you.”
Diogo Jota’s diary, and the unexpected name in Entry No. 17, has transformed his story into one of profound humanity. The regret over a game, a moment, and a friend underscores a man who valued connection above glory. As Rute, her family, and the football world process this revelation, Diogo’s words endure, a testament to a life lived with love, loyalty, and the courage to reflect on what truly matters.
