Mysterious Handwritten Note Found in Diogo Jota’s Boot Stirs Liverpool Fans

On July 3, 2025, the football world was rocked by the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in northwestern Spain. The accident, caused by a tire blowout while overtaking on the A-52 highway near Zamora, claimed the lives of the 28-year-old forward and his 25-year-old brother, leaving fans, teammates, and the global football community in mourning. Jota, a beloved figure at Liverpool Football Club, had recently celebrated a dream summer, winning the Premier League title, the UEFA Nations League, and marrying his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days prior. Yet, amidst the outpouring of grief, a new and intriguing development has emerged: an anonymous nurse claims to have found a handwritten note in Jota’s boot after the crash, bearing a name that has sent shockwaves through Liverpool’s fanbase—not his wife’s, but one instantly recognizable to any Reds supporter.

The Tragic Crash and Its Aftermath

The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time when the Lamborghini Huracan, driven by either Jota or his brother, veered off the road and burst into flames. Spanish authorities reported that the crash was triggered by a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, causing the vehicle to collide with roadside barriers and ignite, along with surrounding vegetation. Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. Jota was en route to Santander to catch a ferry to England for Liverpool’s pre-season training, reportedly advised against flying due to a recent minor lung surgery related to a pneumothorax condition he had played through earlier in the year.

The news devastated Liverpool Football Club, its supporters, and the broader football world. Tributes poured in from teammates like Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as global figures like NBA star LeBron James and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Anfield became a sea of flowers, scarves, and handwritten notes, with fans from rival clubs, including Everton and Leeds United, joining in solidarity. Liverpool retired Jota’s number 20 shirt, a historic first for the club, and his funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, drew teammates, dignitaries, and thousands of mourners.

The Nurse’s Claim and the Mysterious Note

In the weeks following the tragedy, a new layer of intrigue surfaced through posts circulating on X, claiming that an anonymous nurse working at a hospital in Zamora, where the brothers’ remains were taken, discovered a handwritten note inside one of Jota’s boots. According to these unverified reports, the nurse, who has not been named, found the note while assisting with the handling of personal effects recovered from the crash site. The note, described as crumpled but legible, bore a single name—not Rute Cardoso, Jota’s wife, but a name that resonates deeply with Liverpool fans.

While the exact name has not been officially confirmed, speculation on X and fan forums points to it being “Shankly,” referring to Bill Shankly, the legendary Liverpool manager who transformed the club into a footballing powerhouse in the 1960s and 1970s. Shankly’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Liverpool FC, with the iconic Shankly Gates at Anfield and the club’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” embodying his ethos of unity and passion. The idea that Jota, a player known for his embodiment of Liverpool’s fighting spirit, carried a note with Shankly’s name has sparked intense discussion among fans, blending mystery with a poignant connection to the club’s history.

Unraveling the Significance

The discovery of the note, if true, raises questions about its meaning and why Jota might have carried it. Jota was known for his deep connection to Liverpool, both as a player and a person. Described by manager Arne Slot as “the essence of what a Liverpool player should be,” Jota’s tenacity, work rate, and knack for scoring crucial goals earned him the nickname “Jota the Slotter” among fans. His 65 goals in 182 appearances, including pivotal strikes in the 2024–25 Premier League title-winning campaign, cemented his status as a modern Anfield hero.

Some fans speculate that the note could reflect Jota’s admiration for Shankly’s philosophy, which emphasized teamwork, resilience, and a bond with the supporters. Others suggest it might be a personal tribute, perhaps linked to a ritual or momento Jota carried for inspiration. The fact that it was found in his boot—a place where footballers often tuck personal items like shin pads or taped messages—adds to the intrigue, suggesting it held special significance.

However, skepticism surrounds the claim. The anonymous nature of the nurse’s account, shared primarily through social media, lacks official corroboration. Spanish authorities and Liverpool FC have not commented on the note’s existence, and the hospital in Zamora has remained silent. Some fans question whether the story is a fabrication, possibly spread to amplify the emotional weight of Jota’s loss or to create a viral moment. Without physical evidence or a named source, the note remains a compelling but unconfirmed piece of the tragedy’s narrative.

The Emotional Impact on Liverpool’s Community

The possibility of the note has struck a chord with Liverpool fans, already grappling with profound grief. Jota’s death, coming so soon after his wedding and the birth of his third child, has been likened to past tragedies that have shaken the club, such as the Hillsborough disaster. Professor John Ashton, a former public health director and Hillsborough whistleblower, noted that Jota’s loss could trigger collective memories of trauma among supporters. The note, whether real or rumored, adds a layer of mystique, transforming Jota’s story into one that blends personal loss with the club’s storied legacy.

At Anfield, tributes continue to grow, with fans leaving messages that echo Shankly’s famous quote: “Above all, I would like to be remembered as a man who was selfless, who strove and worried so that others could share the glory.” Many see parallels between Shankly’s vision and Jota’s selfless playstyle, making the rumored note a symbolic bridge between past and present. During Liverpool’s first pre-season match against Preston North End on July 13, 2025, fans sang Jota’s chant in the 20th minute, honoring his squad number, while players like Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo paid tribute with his signature celebrations.

A Legacy Etched in Anfield’s Heart

Whether the handwritten note is fact or folklore, its emergence underscores the deep emotional connection between Diogo Jota and Liverpool FC. The club’s decision to retire his number 20 shirt ensures his legacy endures, while the story of the note—bearing a name tied to Liverpool’s soul—has given fans a new way to process their grief. It suggests that Jota, in his final moments, carried not just his personal dreams but the weight of a club’s history.

As investigations into the crash continue, with Spanish authorities examining potential speeding factors, the focus for Liverpool fans remains on celebrating Jota’s life. The note, if real, could become a cherished artifact, a reminder of a player who embodied the spirit of Anfield. For now, it exists in the realm of speculation, a poignant whisper amid the tributes, forever linking Diogo Jota to the heart of Liverpool Football Club.