REVEALED: Diogo Jota’s Dog Luna Ran to His Closet Every Day Since the Crash — Until She Dragged Out a Match Boot and Refused to Let Go

The football world continues to mourn the loss of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, who, along with his brother André Silva, tragically died in a car crash on July 3, 2025, in Zamora, Spain. Amid the outpouring of grief, a heartbreaking story has emerged about Jota’s beloved dog, Luna, whose behavior since the accident has touched the hearts of fans and highlighted the profound bond between the footballer and his pet. According to sources close to the family, Luna has run to Jota’s closet every day since the crash, seemingly searching for her owner, until she recently dragged out one of his match-worn boots and refused to let go. This poignant tale, combined with new details about the crash investigation, underscores the personal tragedy felt by Jota’s family and the global football community.

The Tragic Crash and Its Aftermath

Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, a professional footballer for Portuguese club Penafiel, were killed when their Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder veered off the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain, around 12:30 a.m. on July 3, 2025. The crash, attributed to a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver, caused the supercar to roll and burst into flames, igniting nearby vegetation. Spanish authorities, including the Guardia Civil, have indicated that Jota was likely driving, with investigations focusing on possible excessive speed, as tyre marks suggest the vehicle was traveling above the 120 km/h (75 mph) limit. However, a truck driver, Jose Azevedo, who witnessed the crash and attempted to help, insisted the car was not speeding, contradicting preliminary police reports.

The brothers were en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, as Jota had been advised against flying due to recent lung surgery. Just 11 days earlier, on June 22, Jota had married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, in Porto, Portugal, in a ceremony filled with joy. The couple, who began their relationship in 2012, had three young children, aged one to four. The sudden loss has left Rute, their family, and the football world devastated, with tributes pouring in from figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jürgen Klopp, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Luna’s Heartbreaking Ritual

Luna, Jota’s beloved dog and the namesake of his esports team, Luna Galaxy, has become a symbol of the family’s grief. According to a family friend quoted in a July 14, 2025, article by The Sun, Luna began exhibiting unusual behavior after Jota’s death. Each morning, the dog would run to Jota’s closet in the family’s Porto home, where he kept his football kits and match boots, and lie down among his belongings, as if waiting for him to return. “She’d just sit there, looking confused, like she could sense he was gone but didn’t understand why,” the friend said. This ritual continued for days, with Luna returning to the closet, sometimes whimpering or nudging Jota’s items.

On July 12, nine days after the crash, Luna’s behavior shifted dramatically. The dog dragged one of Jota’s match-worn Adidas boots—still caked with grass from his final game, the UEFA Nations League final against Spain on June 8—from the closet to her bed. She reportedly refused to let go, clutching the boot tightly and growling when anyone approached. Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow, shared a photo of Luna with the boot on Instagram, captioning it, “She knows you’re still with us, Diogo. Forever.” The post, which garnered millions of likes, prompted an outpouring of support from fans and players, including Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who commented, “Luna’s carrying his spirit.”

Luna’s attachment to Jota was well-known. The dog, whose name inspired Jota’s esports venture, often appeared in his social media posts, including a 2023 video of her playfully chasing him on a beach. Jota’s love for Luna was evident in his decision to name his esports team after her, a nod to his passion for gaming, where he famously competed in FIFA tournaments and even reached world number one in FIFA 21. The Sun reported that Luna’s behavior has been a source of comfort for Rute and their children, with the eldest, a four-year-old, saying, “Luna’s keeping Daddy’s boot safe.”

The Crash Investigation: Speeding or Misjudgment?

The investigation into the crash has intensified, with conflicting accounts fueling debate. Spanish police initially reported that Jota was likely driving at excessive speed, based on tyre marks extending 100 meters from the crash site. A preliminary report suggested the Lamborghini’s speed exceeded the road’s limit, contributing to the loss of control after the tyre blowout. However, Jose Azevedo, a truck driver who filmed the aftermath, insisted to the Daily Mail that the car was not speeding, stating, “I drive this road every day… I could see the make and color of the car, and they were not going fast.” Azevedo attempted to aid the brothers but was unable to due to the flames.

The Guardia Civil is finalizing an expert report for the Puebla de Sanabria court, analyzing the Lamborghini’s tyre marks and mechanical condition. The road, while not a known accident “black spot,” has a history of speeding violations, with nearly 15,000 fines issued in 2020. A female driver was seriously injured on the same stretch hours before Jota’s crash, highlighting its dangers. The investigation has not ruled out mechanical failure or road conditions as factors, but the focus remains on speed and the tyre blowout.

Liverpool and the Football World’s Response

Liverpool FC, where Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances and helped win the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, has been deeply affected. The club retired Jota’s number 20 shirt across all teams, announced at 20:20 BST on July 11, 2025. During their first pre-season match against Preston North End on July 13, fans and players paid emotional tributes. A minute’s silence was observed, and supporters sang Jota’s song in the 20th minute, with Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo performing his signature “gaming controller” celebration after scoring. The match programme featured a black-and-white image of Jota with the Premier League trophy, and Preston’s captain laid a wreath for the traveling fans.

The funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, on July 5 saw Liverpool stars like Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, and Alexis Mac Allister join Portuguese teammates like Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo. Van Dijk carried a floral tribute shaped like Jota’s number 20 jersey, while Robertson carried one for André’s number 30. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, spoke of the football community’s unity, saying, “We are together and will always be.” Fans gathered at Anfield, leaving scarves, flowers, and notes, while tributes extended to Molineux, Jota’s former home with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Luna’s Legacy and Jota’s Enduring Impact

Luna’s behavior has resonated widely, symbolizing the loyalty and love Jota inspired. Social media posts on X, including one from @LFCForever on July 14, described Luna’s actions as “proof that dogs feel grief just like us,” while @FootyHearts noted, “Luna holding onto Jota’s boot is breaking my heart.” The story has drawn parallels to famous tales of canine devotion, like Hachiko, the Japanese dog who waited for his owner daily after his death. For Jota’s family, Luna’s actions are a bittersweet reminder of his presence, with Rute reportedly allowing the dog to keep the boot as a source of comfort.

Jota’s humble roots as the son of factory workers in Gondomar shaped his character. Despite his success, he never asked for branded boots as a child, aware of his family’s sacrifices. His tenacity on the pitch, seen in his tireless performance against Manchester City in 2022, mirrored his off-field humility and dedication as a father and husband. His esports venture, Luna Galaxy, reflected his passion for gaming, a trait that endeared him to younger fans.

A Call for Road Safety

The crash has sparked discussions about road safety, particularly regarding high-performance vehicles. A Reddit thread on r/football criticized Jota’s alleged speeding, with user u/DavidRolands arguing that his “reckless behavior” caused immense pain, though others defended his legacy as a “good guy” who made a tragic mistake. The debate underscores the dangers of speeding, especially in supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan, which can exceed 200 mph. Advocates are calling for stricter speed enforcement and improved vehicle safety standards, citing the crash as a preventable tragedy.

As the investigation continues, Luna’s devotion to Jota’s memory offers a poignant reminder of the personal toll of his loss. For Rute, their children, and the football world, Jota’s legacy—marked by his infectious joy, predatory instinct on the pitch, and love for his family and dog—remains indelible. The image of Luna clutching his match boot is a testament to the unbreakable bond between a footballer and his loyal companion, a bond that endures even in tragedy.