Shocking Autopsy Revelation: Faint “D.S.” Scratch on Diogo Jota’s Wrist Sparks New Questions in Tragic Crash Case

The investigation into the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025, has taken a startling turn with a new autopsy detail reported by Jornal de Notícias on August 6, 2025. Doctors at the Zamora Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences discovered a faint scratch on Jota’s left wrist, forming the letters “D.S.” Authorities are now probing whether this mark was a deliberate message carved by Jota in his final moments, potentially linked to the cryptic note he left under his children’s nursery floorboards and the 17 unanswered calls from Dr. Elena Marquez. The question looms: Who or what is “D.S.,” and why would Jota have made such a mark during the chaotic final minutes of his life?

The Autopsy Finding

The autopsy, conducted shortly after the crash on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain, was complicated by the intense fire that consumed the Lamborghini Huracan, making identification difficult. According to Jornal de Notícias, forensic examiners noted a superficial scratch on Jota’s left wrist, distinct from other injuries sustained in the crash. The mark, described as forming the letters “D.S.,” appeared intentional due to its precise shape and placement, though its faintness suggests it was made hastily or with a blunt object. The report indicates the scratch was fresh, likely inflicted within minutes of the crash, raising the possibility that Jota, aware of impending danger, attempted to leave a final clue.

Spanish authorities, led by the Guardia Civil, are treating the “D.S.” mark as a potential message, cross-referencing it with other evidence, including the black box data showing Jota pressed the brake pedal 17 times in the final six seconds without slowing the car, and the handwritten note found by his widow, Rute Cardoso, which ended with, “If anything happens to me, tell them it wasn’t an accident because…” The convergence of these clues has deepened the mystery surrounding the crash, with investigators exploring whether the mark points to a person, organization, or cryptic warning.

Theories Surrounding “D.S.”

The identity of “D.S.” remains unknown, prompting several theories based on available evidence and public speculation on platforms like X:

Dr. Elena Marquez Connection: The 17 calls from Dr. Elena Marquez, a physiotherapist who met Jota three days before the crash, have drawn attention due to the numerical coincidence with Jota’s 17 brake attempts. Some X posts have speculated that “D.S.” could refer to Marquez, though her initials (E.M.) do not match. Authorities are investigating whether “D.S.” might relate to someone else at the Centro de Rehabilitación Deportiva Zamora, where Marquez works, or a medical term linked to Jota’s recent lung surgery, which prevented him from flying and led to the fateful drive.

Personal or Professional Associate: “D.S.” could represent the initials of an individual known to Jota, such as a teammate, friend, or contact from his career with Liverpool, Wolves, Porto, or the Portugal national team. Investigators are reportedly reviewing Jota’s phone records and social connections, including his call with Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira hours before the crash, to identify potential matches. No clear candidate has emerged, and Rute Cardoso has not publicly linked “D.S.” to anyone in Jota’s inner circle.

Symbolic or Coded Message: The scratch might not refer to a person but a coded message or abbreviation. Some X users have suggested “D.S.” could stand for a phrase like “Don’t Stop” or “Drive Safe,” though these seem unlikely given the note’s implication of foul play. Others propose it could relate to Jota’s gaming alias or his LUNA Esports team, where he was a prominent FIFA player, but no known connection to “D.S.” has been established.

Self-Inflicted Warning: The timing of the scratch, potentially made in the final minutes, suggests Jota may have been desperate to communicate something as the car careened out of control. The black box data indicates he was actively trying to stop the vehicle, which failed to respond despite 17 brake attempts. This has led some to theorize that Jota, suspecting sabotage or external interference, used an available object—possibly a key or sharp debris—to carve the mark as a final act.

Context of the Crash and Investigation

The crash occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 3, 2025, when Jota’s Lamborghini veered off the A-52 after a rear tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver, bursting into flames upon impact. The black box revealed Jota’s desperate attempts to brake, with no response from the vehicle, prompting questions about mechanical failure or tampering. The road’s poor condition, noted by witnesses and local officials, may have contributed, but the “D.S.” scratch and Jota’s note have shifted focus to potential foul play.

The Guardia Civil’s investigation, ongoing at the Puebla de Sanabria court, is analyzing the brake system, tyre debris, and electronic control unit, though the fire’s intensity has damaged key evidence. The involvement of Dr. Marquez, whose clinic is three blocks from where the car was last seen, remains under scrutiny, particularly her claim of calling to warn Jota about road conditions. Her lack of prior connection to Jota and the timing of her calls—between 10:47 p.m. and 12:28 a.m.—continue to raise questions, though no link to “D.S.” has been confirmed.

Public and Family Response

Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow, has not publicly commented on the “D.S.” scratch but reiterated her commitment to seeking answers in a brief Instagram post on August 6, 2025: “Diogo’s truth will come to light. For him, for André, for our children.” The football community, still mourning Jota’s loss, has expressed shock at the autopsy detail. Liverpool FC, which retired Jota’s number 20 shirt and announced tributes like a permanent Anfield sculpture, issued a statement urging calm and respect for the investigation. Former teammate Andy Robertson posted on X, “This hurts more every day. Whatever ‘D.S.’ means, we need the truth for Diogo.”

X users have fueled speculation, with some linking “D.S.” to conspiracy theories about sabotage, while others caution against jumping to conclusions without evidence. A post from @FootyTruth7 on August 6, 2025, read: “17 calls, 17 brake attempts, now ‘D.S.’ on his wrist? This isn’t adding up. Justice for Jota.” Such sentiments reflect the public’s desire for clarity, though authorities have stressed that the investigation remains inconclusive.

What’s Next?

The “D.S.” scratch has added urgency to the Guardia Civil’s probe, with forensic teams working to determine the mark’s exact nature and origin. Fingerprint and DNA analysis, already underway to confirm identities, may provide further clues about the object used to make the scratch. Investigators are also re-examining Jota’s recent activities, including his visit to Marquez’s clinic and his final call with Cerqueira, to identify any “D.S.” connection.

For now, the “D.S.” mark remains a haunting enigma, echoing the unfinished warning in Jota’s note. Was it a desperate attempt to name a culprit, a reference to an unknown threat, or a tragic coincidence? As the football world and Jota’s family await answers, the mystery of his final moments deepens, leaving a legacy of grief and unanswered questions.