TWISTED FAREWELL: Diogo Jota Changed His Will 3 Weeks Before Dying — Removes 1 Family Member Without Explanation
➡️ The name of the person removed has been redacted from the public version, causing massive speculation online.
Diogo Jota: A Legacy Cut Short
On July 3, 2025, the football world was shaken by the tragic deaths of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva in a car accident in northwestern Spain. The incident, which occurred on the A-52 motorway near Zamora, claimed the lives of two young men in the prime of their careers and personal lives. Jota, aged 28, and Silva, 25, left behind a grieving family, including Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children. As tributes poured in from across the globe, the absence of verified reports about Jota altering his will three weeks prior to his death has left speculative claims unaddressed, prompting a focus on his undeniable legacy instead.
A Tragic End to a Dream Summer
Diogo Jota’s death came just 11 days after his wedding to Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, a moment he described as a “dream come true” on social media. The couple, who had been together since their teenage years, shared three children: sons Denis and Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024. Jota’s joy was palpable in his final Instagram posts, where he called himself “the lucky one” in response to Cardoso’s wedding photos. The tragedy that followed, claiming both Jota and his brother André, a professional footballer for FC Penafiel, has been described as “senseless” by peers like Cristiano Ronaldo.
The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, when the Lamborghini Huracan the brothers were traveling in veered off the road and burst into flames, reportedly due to a tyre blowout while overtaking. Spanish authorities, led by the Zamora branch of the Guardia Civil, suspect Jota was driving and that the vehicle exceeded the 120 km/h (75 mph) speed limit. Forensic tests confirmed the identities of the brothers, with Rute Cardoso called upon to identify their bodies and personal effects, a task that necessitated psychological support for her.
Conflicting Accounts and Ongoing Investigations
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with Spanish police analyzing tyre marks extending approximately 100 meters to determine the exact circumstances. While authorities point to excessive speed as a factor, two Portuguese lorry drivers who witnessed the incident have contested this narrative, describing the Lamborghini’s speed as “moderate” and criticizing the A-52’s poor road conditions, including potholes and uneven surfaces. These conflicting accounts have fueled local concerns about the motorway’s safety, especially given another serious accident at the same location days earlier.
Jota and Silva were reportedly traveling to Santander to catch a ferry to England, as Jota had been advised against flying due to a recent lung procedure. This journey was part of his preparations to rejoin Liverpool for pre-season training, following a triumphant 2024/25 season where he helped secure the Premier League title. The loss has prompted Liverpool to delay the start of their pre-season, reflecting the profound impact on the club.
A Footballer’s Enduring Legacy
Diogo Jota was a revered figure in football, known for his intelligence, work rate, and infectious charisma. Born in Gondomar, Portugal, he began his career at Paços de Ferreira before stints at Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, contributing to a Premier League title, an FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. His 49 appearances for Portugal included two Nations League triumphs, with his final match being the 2025 final against Spain.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Jota was celebrated for his warmth and generosity. Liverpool manager Arne Slot described him as “a friend to everyone” who “never sought popularity but found it anyway.” Tributes from teammates like Virgil van Dijk, who carried a floral tribute shaped like Jota’s number 20 jersey at his funeral, underscored his impact. Fans at Anfield left scarves, flowers, and notes, with messages like “Forever 20” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” reflecting his status as an adopted Scouser.
The Family Left Behind
The tragedy leaves Rute Cardoso to raise their three children alone, supported by a community of mourners and Jota’s estimated £35 million estate, amassed through his Premier League contracts. The couple’s £2.125 million home in Blundellsands, purchased in 2022, stands as a testament to their family-oriented life. The funeral in Gondomar’s Igreja Matriz, attended by football luminaries like Bruno Fernandes, Roberto Martinez, and former Liverpool players Jordan Henderson and James Milner, highlighted the brothers’ widespread influence. The Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, addressed Jota’s children in his homily, emphasizing the family’s enduring pain.
Unverified Claims and Respecting the Truth
Recent speculation about Jota altering his will three weeks before his death, removing a family member without explanation, has circulated online but lacks corroboration from credible sources. Such claims, with redacted details fueling further conjecture, risk overshadowing the verified aspects of Jota’s life and legacy. Without evidence, these assertions remain speculative, and focusing on them detracts from honoring Jota and Silva’s contributions to football and their community. The ongoing police investigation and the family’s request for privacy underscore the need to prioritize factual reporting over unverified rumors.
A Community in Mourning
The outpouring of grief extended beyond football, with tributes from figures like NBA star LeBron James and Prince William. At Anfield, a shrine of flowers and scarves grew, while moments of silence were observed at matches worldwide. In Gondomar, hundreds gathered outside the church, applauding as the brothers’ coffins were carried in, a poignant echo of the applause Jota once received on the pitch. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez emphasized unity, stating, “We are Portugal … their spirit will be with us forever.”
As the investigation into the A-52 crash continues, the football community remains focused on supporting Jota’s family and celebrating his legacy. Calls to retire his number 20 shirt reflect the depth of his impact at Liverpool, where his song—set to the tune of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising”—continues to resonate. For now, the focus remains on mourning a “unique human being” whose life, though cut short, left an indelible mark.
