What Did Diogo Jota Do Before His Crash That Shocked His Wife? Just before the tragic accident that claimed the Liverpool star’s life, a shocking revelation about his actions left Rute Cardoso reeling. What could he have done?
Just before the tragic accident that claimed the Liverpool star’s life, a shocking revelation about his actions left Rute Cardoso reeling. What could he have done?
On July 3, 2025, the football community was devastated by the deaths of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, in a car crash near Zamora, Spain. The tragedy, occurring just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, left their family—three young children, Dinis (4), Duarte (2), and Mafalda (8 months), and parents Joaquim and Isabel Silva—in profound grief. A recent claim alleges that Jota did something “terrible” before the accident that shocked Rute, but credible sources, including CNN, The Guardian, and BBC, provide no evidence of such an act. This article explores Jota’s life, the crash investigation, the family’s mourning, and the speculative claim, aiming to honor his legacy while addressing unverified narratives.
Born on December 4, 1996, in Gondomar, Portugal, Diogo Jota’s journey from local club Gondomar SC to global stardom was inspiring. Starting at Paços de Ferreira, he moved to Atlético Madrid in 2016, with loans to FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. His £14 million permanent transfer to Wolves in 2018 saw him score 44 goals in 131 appearances. In 2020, Liverpool signed him for £41 million, where he thrived, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances and helping secure the 2024–25 Premier League title, an FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. Jota also won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in 2019 and 2025, scoring 14 goals in 49 caps.
Off the pitch, Jota was a devoted family man and gaming prodigy, ranking No. 1 on FIFA 21’s Champions Leaderboard and founding Luna Galaxy. His 13-year relationship with Rute, whom he met in high school, culminated in their June 22, 2025, wedding in Porto. Their Instagram posts captured their love: “A day we will never forget,” Jota wrote, with Rute replying, “My dream came true.” Their children were their pride, making the tragedy’s impact immense. Jota credited his parents’ sacrifices, telling the BBC, “I could see their struggle … a debt I will never pay back”.
The Fatal Crash
The accident occurred at 12:30 a.m. on July 3, 2025, on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora. Jota and André were driving a Lamborghini Huracán to Santander for a ferry to the UK, as Jota was advised against flying due to a recent pneumothorax surgery. The Guardia Civil reported a tire blowout during an overtake, causing the car to veer off, hit the central reservation, and burst into flames, killing both brothers. Police suggested Jota was driving and possibly speeding, based on tire marks, though lorry drivers disputed this, citing poor road conditions. The investigation, pending for the Puebla de Sanabria court, relies on physical evidence like skid marks and a license plate.
Rute identified the bodies, requiring psychological support due to the fire’s severity. The crash site, marked by scorched grass and debris, underscored the tragedy’s brutality.
The Claim of a Terrible Act
The claim that Jota did something “terrible” before the crash that shocked Rute lacks substantiation in credible sources. Reports from The Athletic, Le Parisien, and Sky News focus on the crash’s cause—a tire blowout, possibly exacerbated by speed—and Jota’s final public actions, like posting wedding videos hours before the accident with captions like “A day we will never forget.” Rute’s July 23 Instagram post, “1 month of our ‘until death do us part.’ Forever. Your white girl,” reflects her grief but mentions no shocking act by Jota.
Speculatively, the claim could arise from misinterpretations of Jota’s decision to drive despite medical advice against flying, or from routine police findings, such as phone records confirming travel plans to Santander. His physiotherapist, Miguel Gonçalves, confirmed Jota’s professionalism, noting he and André were not partying, countering rumors of reckless behavior. The absence of evidence about a specific act suggests the claim may be sensationalized, fueled by the emotional weight of Jota’s recent wedding and the public’s fascination with the tragedy.
The Funeral and Family’s Grief
The joint funeral on July 5, 2025, at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar was attended by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who carried a floral tribute with Jota’s No. 20, and Andy Robertson, with André’s No. 30. Rute, heartbroken, helped carry Jota’s coffin, placing a rose on it, while Isabel and Joaquim were supported by agent Jorge Mendes. The Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, spoke of the family’s pain: “Solidarity in love is stronger than death.” A large crowd gathered outside, with the service marked by “Ave Maria” and applause.
Tributes from Cristiano Ronaldo, who wrote, “It does not make sense,” and Jürgen Klopp, who called Jota “a great friend, husband, and father,” reflected his impact. Liverpool’s CEO, Billy Hogan, confirmed counseling for players, and the club pledged to support Rute and her children, who will inherit an estimated £35 million estate. Fans left scarves and notes at Anfield, with one placard reading, “Diogo lives forever”.
Separating Fact from Fiction
The claim of Jota’s “terrible” act lacks credible evidence, likely stemming from the emotional intensity of Rute’s tributes or speculative online narratives. The investigation focuses on the tire blowout and road conditions, with no mention of personal misconduct. Jota’s final call with Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira, where he was “fine” and discussed training, and his wedding posts suggest a man focused on family and career, not scandalous behavior. X posts express shock at the tragedy but offer no specifics on a shocking act, emphasizing Rute’s grief instead. The claim appears to be a sensationalized narrative, common in high-profile tragedies.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Diogo Jota’s death, alongside André’s, is a profound loss. His legacy—65 goals for Liverpool, two Nations League titles, and a devoted family—endures through Rute and their children. The unverified claim of a “terrible” act distracts from the verified narrative of a tragic tire blowout on a faulty road. As Liverpool plans to retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt and fans honor him at Anfield, the focus should be on his contributions and the family’s strength, not speculative rumors. To explore Jota’s story, look to Rute’s heartfelt tributes and the football community’s love, not unverified claims.