EXCLUSIVE: Diogo Jota’s Wife Discovers Handwritten Letter Penned Hours Before Fatal Crash

In a heart-wrenching development following the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, a previously undisclosed handwritten letter has surfaced, found by Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso. The letter, dated just four hours before the fatal crash on July 3, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond. Authorities have confirmed the existence of the note but have redacted its final sentence, labeling it “too disturbing to release to the public.” This exclusive report delves into the details surrounding the letter, the ongoing investigation, and the profound impact of Jota’s death on his family, fans, and the global football world.

The Tragic Accident

On July 3, 2025, Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 25, were killed in a devastating car crash on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, in the province of Zamora, northwestern Spain. The brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini Huracan when the vehicle veered off the road, reportedly due to a burst tire while overtaking another vehicle. The car subsequently burst into flames, leaving no chance for survival. Spanish authorities, specifically the Guardia Civil, have been investigating the incident, with early reports suggesting that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor.

Jota, a beloved forward for Liverpool FC and the Portugal national team, had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days prior to the accident. The couple, both 28, had three young children—two sons, Denis and Duarte, and a baby daughter. The tragedy, occurring so soon after their wedding, has left Cardoso and their family grappling with unimaginable grief. André Silva, a professional footballer for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division, was also mourned as a rising talent.

The Handwritten Letter

According to sources close to the family, Rute Cardoso discovered a handwritten letter penned by Diogo Jota in their Porto home, dated July 2, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., just hours before the fatal crash. The letter, written in Jota’s distinctive handwriting, was addressed to his wife and children. Its contents, while not fully disclosed, are said to express Jota’s deep love for his family, reflections on his career, and hopes for the future. The tone of the letter is reportedly tender and introspective, capturing a moment of vulnerability from a man who was known for his quiet humility and devotion to his family.

However, the final sentence of the letter has been redacted by Spanish authorities, who have labeled it “too disturbing to release to the public.” This cryptic decision has sparked intense speculation among fans, media, and investigators. The redacted sentence has not been shared with the family, adding to their distress and fueling public curiosity about its contents. While the police have not elaborated on the nature of the sentence, they have emphasized that the letter is part of the ongoing investigation and will be submitted to the court in Puebla de Sanabria upon completion of the expert report.

Investigation and Conflicting Accounts

The Spanish Guardia Civil’s investigation has focused on several key factors in the crash, including the condition of the road, the state of the vehicle, and the speed at which it was traveling. Initial reports suggested that Jota was driving the Lamborghini at a speed exceeding the 120 km/h (74.5 mph) limit on the A-52 motorway. Forensic analysis of tire marks, which extended approximately 100 meters from the point of impact, supported the theory that a tire blowout occurred during an overtaking maneuver, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into the central reservation before igniting.

However, two Portuguese lorry drivers who witnessed the crash have challenged the police’s narrative. José Aleixo Duarte, one of the drivers, claimed that the Lamborghini passed him five minutes before the accident at a “moderate speed” and was not speeding. He also criticized the poor condition of the A-52 motorway, describing it as “dark, dangerous, and poorly maintained.” Another driver, identified only as Azevedo, corroborated this account, stating that he filmed the burning wreckage and insisted the brothers were driving “calmly.” These testimonies have raised questions about whether road conditions, rather than speed, were the primary cause of the tragedy.

Spanish road safety expert Javier Lopez Delgado has suggested that multiple factors, including speed and road conditions, likely contributed to the crash. He noted that while the road was not considered an accident “black spot,” its uneven surface could have exacerbated the effects of a tire blowout. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify these discrepancies, with the final report expected to provide definitive answers.

The Emotional Toll

The discovery of the letter has added a new layer of sorrow for Rute Cardoso, who is now raising three young children without their father. Social media posts from July 4, 2025, captured the public’s outrage at media outlets that filmed Cardoso leaving a police station, visibly distraught and supported by officers. Fans condemned the intrusive coverage, with one X user writing, “She’s that upset it’s taking 2 police officers to hold her up. Media all pointing cameras in her face to catch her crying. Disgusting.”

The football world has rallied around the family, with tributes pouring in from teammates, rivals, and global icons. Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing their devastation, describing Jota as a “unique human being” whose loss would be deeply felt. Former manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota in 2020, wrote, “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!” Current manager Arne Slot emphasized Jota’s role as a family man and a beloved teammate, vowing to honor his legacy. Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portugal teammate, shared his disbelief, noting that Jota had “just gotten married” and was “always with” his family.

Jota’s Legacy

Diogo Jota’s impact on and off the pitch was profound. Joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £41 million, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, earning the nickname “Jota the slotter” for his clinical finishing. He played a key role in Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title win, their 20th top-flight championship, and also lifted the FA Cup and two League Cups. Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Jota was celebrated for his humility and kindness. Former teammate Manuel José Vieira recalled his boldness and resilience, while Portugal’s former manager Fernando Santos praised his selflessness during the 2022 World Cup. In his hometown of Gondomar, Jota remained a local hero, never forgetting his roots or his childhood friends.

The Unanswered Questions

The redacted sentence in Jota’s letter remains a haunting mystery. Was it a premonition, a confession, or something else entirely? The police’s decision to withhold it has only deepened the public’s fascination, but for now, the focus remains on supporting Jota’s family. Liverpool FC has delayed the start of pre-season training, and plans are underway to retire Jota’s number 20 shirt, a testament to his enduring legacy.

As the investigation continues, the football world mourns a player who was more than just a star—he was a husband, father, and friend whose life was cut tragically short. The letter, with its redacted final words, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound loss felt by all who knew Diogo Jota.