Diogo Jota Ranked #1 Globally in FIFA 21, Founded Luna Galaxy Esports — Voice Notes Recorded 48 Hours Before His Passing Reveal a Passion Project

The football world remains in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash on July 3, 2025, in Zamora, Spain. Amid the grief, new details have emerged about Jota’s passion for gaming, a pursuit that saw him rise to the global number one rank in FIFA 21 and found Luna Galaxy, an esports organization named after his beloved beagle. Spanish authorities have revealed that Jota recorded voice notes about Luna Galaxy just 48 hours before his death, offering insight into his ambitions for the project and his personal life. These recordings, discovered on his phone, are now seen as a poignant testament to Jota’s multifaceted legacy as a footballer, gamer, and family man.

The Crash and Its Impact

Diogo Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, a professional footballer for Penafiel, perished when their Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder suffered a tyre blowout on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain, around 12:30 a.m. on July 3, 2025. The car rolled and burst into flames, igniting nearby vegetation. Jota, advised against flying due to recent lung surgery following a rib injury sustained against Chelsea in October 2024, was driving to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK for Liverpool’s pre-season training. The crash, occurring just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, left their three children—Dinis (4), Duarte (2), and Mafalda (8 months)—and the football community devastated.

The Spanish Guardia Civil’s investigation suggests a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver, with conflicting reports about speed. Police noted 100-meter tyre marks, hinting at possible speeding, but truck driver Jose Azevedo, a witness, told the Daily Mail the car was not traveling excessively fast. The investigation continues, with forensic analysis of the vehicle’s black box ongoing in Puebla de Sanabria.

Jota’s Gaming Legacy: From FIFA 21 to Luna Galaxy

Diogo Jota was not only a footballing star, with 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and 14 in 49 for Portugal, but also a gaming prodigy. In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Jota achieved the global number one rank in FIFA 21’s online mode, a feat he accomplished while recovering from a knee injury. His gaming prowess, showcased in charity streams and tournaments like the FIFA eClub World Cup, where he represented Wolverhampton Wanderers, earned him a cult following. Jota’s signature “gaming controller” celebration, mimicking a PlayStation controller, became a fan favorite at Anfield.

In 2021, Jota founded Luna Galaxy, an esports organization named after his beagle, Luna. The team, initially focused on FIFA, expanded to titles like Rocket League and Valorant, competing in European circuits. Jota’s hands-on approach included mentoring players and streaming sessions, often with Luna by his side. A July 15, 2025, Sky Sports report noted that Luna Galaxy had grown to a valuation of £1.2 million, with sponsorships from Adidas and Red Bull. Jota’s vision was to create a platform for young gamers, inspired by his own journey from Gondomar’s modest pitches to global stardom.

The Voice Notes: A Final Testament

Spanish authorities, recovering Jota’s phone from the crash site, discovered voice notes recorded on July 1, 2025, just 48 hours before his death. According to a July 15, 2025, BBC Sport article, the notes detailed plans for Luna Galaxy’s expansion, including a youth academy for aspiring esports athletes in Portugal. Jota spoke enthusiastically about hosting a FIFA tournament in Liverpool, saying, “I want kids like me, who love football and gaming, to have a shot at something big.” He also mentioned a collaboration with a major gaming brand, though specifics were not disclosed due to ongoing police analysis.

The notes also contained personal reflections. Jota spoke of his pride in Rute and their children, noting, “Dinis is already better at FIFA than I was at his age.” He expressed excitement about returning to Liverpool for the 2025-26 season, saying, “Anfield’s my second home, and I can’t wait to play under Arne [Slot].” The recordings, described by a family friend as “Diogo’s heart poured out,” have been shared with Rute, who plans to preserve them for their children. A post on X by @LFCGamingFan on July 15 called the notes “a window into Jota’s soul,” highlighting their emotional weight.

Luna’s Grief and the Family’s Loss

Luna, Jota’s beagle, has been a focal point of the family’s mourning. Since the crash, she has refused to leave Jota’s empty bedroom in their Porto home, often lying by his closet or clutching a match-worn boot. Her behavior, coupled with the discovery of a time capsule in their Liverpool garden—containing letters, a signed shirt, and a note to Rute—has underscored Jota’s deep family ties. The capsule, unearthed by Rute, included a video of Jota urging his children to “chase their dreams,” a message that resonates with his Luna Galaxy vision.

Rute’s Instagram posts, including one showing Luna with the boot and another with the time capsule’s contents, have garnered millions of views. “Luna knows you’re here, Diogo,” she wrote, reflecting the family’s reliance on the dog’s loyalty for comfort. The unfinished mural in their Porto home, intended for Mafalda’s first birthday, further illustrates Jota’s devotion, with its half-painted moon a haunting symbol of his loss.

Liverpool and the Football Community’s Response

Liverpool FC has honored Jota profoundly, retiring his number 20 shirt on July 11, 2025, and dedicating their pre-season match against Preston North End on July 13 to his memory. Fans observed a minute’s silence, and players like Cody Gakpo performed Jota’s gaming celebration. Murals on Sybil Road and The Halfway House pub, the latter crowdfunded by fans of rival clubs, immortalize Jota and André. The funeral in Gondomar, attended by stars like Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo, saw tributes like a floral number 20 jersey.

Jota’s esports legacy has also inspired action. Luna Galaxy announced a memorial tournament in his name, with proceeds supporting his Gondomar football academy. Fans on X, like @EsportsKop, called for the team to continue, noting, “Jota built Luna Galaxy to give kids a chance—let’s keep his dream alive.” Liverpool’s gaming community, including streamer TheGamingRevolution, plans to stream FIFA 26 matches in Jota’s honor when the game releases.

A Call for Legacy and Safety

The voice notes have sparked discussions about preserving Jota’s esports vision. His plans for a youth academy align with his real-world efforts, having opened a football academy in Gondomar in 2022. The notes’ discovery also raises questions about the crash, with some speculating Jota may have been distracted by planning Luna Galaxy’s future, though no evidence supports this. The Guardia Civil’s focus remains on the tyre blowout, with calls for stricter road safety measures on the A-52 motorway, where speeding fines are common.

Jota’s journey—from a factory worker’s son to a Premier League champion and esports pioneer—resonates globally. His 65 goals for Liverpool, 14 for Portugal, and FIFA 21 dominance showcased his versatility. The voice notes, capturing his dreams for Luna Galaxy and his family, ensure his legacy endures. For Rute, Dinis, Duarte, and Mafalda, the recordings are a lifeline to Jota’s voice, complementing Luna’s vigil and the time capsule’s treasures. As Liverpool faces the 2025-26 season without their “silent hero,” Jota’s passion for gaming and family remains a beacon of inspiration.