Breaking Drama at Porto Courthouse: Diogo Jota’s Widow and Father Clash Over €15 Million Liverpool Bonuses

Porto, Portugal – August 28, 2025

At 9:43 AM, the Porto courthouse became the epicenter of a heated family dispute as Sofia Melo, the widow of the late Liverpool and Portugal football star Diogo Jota, stormed into the building, demanding full control of her husband’s €15 million in Liverpool bonuses. The dramatic scene escalated when Jota’s father, Joaquim Silva, reportedly slammed his fist on the table during a heated exchange, shouting, “This is not what he wanted!” The confrontation has sent shockwaves through the football community and the public, raising questions about the legacy of the beloved footballer, who tragically passed away in a car accident alongside his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025.

A Tragic Loss and a Complicated Legacy

Diogo Jota, aged 28, was at the peak of his career when he and his brother André, 25, perished in a catastrophic car crash in Zamora, Spain. The brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder, which reportedly suffered a tire blowout while overtaking, causing the vehicle to roll and burst into flames. Jota, a key figure in Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League triumph, left behind a wife, three young children, and a legacy as one of Portugal’s most cherished footballers. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, teammates, and clubs worldwide, with tributes pouring in from Anfield to Molineux and beyond.

Jota’s financial legacy, however, has now become a point of contention. Reports indicate that his estate, including earnings from his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool, as well as sponsorships and his eSports ventures, could be worth up to £35 million. At the heart of the current dispute are €15 million in bonuses from Liverpool, tied to his contributions to the club’s recent successes, including the Premier League title and individual performance incentives.

The Courthouse Confrontation

According to eyewitnesses, Sofia Melo, who married Jota just 11 days before his death, entered the Porto courthouse with a legal team, demanding that the entirety of the €15 million in bonuses be allocated to her and her three children—sons Dinis and Duarte, and daughter Mafalda. Melo, visibly emotional but resolute, argued that as Jota’s widow and the mother of his children, she was entitled to manage the funds to secure their future. Sources close to the family suggest that Melo believes the bonuses should be used to establish a trust fund for the children, ensuring their long-term financial stability.

The situation took a dramatic turn when Joaquim Silva, Jota’s father, interrupted the proceedings. Witnesses report that Silva, overcome with emotion, slammed his fist on the table and declared, “This is not what he wanted!” According to those present, Silva argued that Jota had expressed a desire for a portion of his earnings to support charitable causes in Gondomar, the family’s hometown, including the local fire brigade and animal welfare organizations. Jota’s well-documented humility and connection to his roots lend credence to Silva’s claim. During his wedding, Jota notably requested that guests donate to local charities instead of giving gifts, a gesture that reflected his commitment to his community.

Conflicting Claims and Family Tensions

The dispute appears to stem from differing interpretations of Jota’s wishes, compounded by the emotional weight of his sudden death. Sofia Melo, described as Jota’s childhood sweetheart, has been thrust into the public eye since the tragedy. Her Instagram posts, including a heartfelt message marking one month since their wedding, have garnered widespread support from fans and the football community. However, her push for control of the bonuses has sparked tension with Jota’s parents, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, who were also deeply affected by the loss of both their sons.

Joaquim Silva’s outburst in the courthouse suggests a belief that Jota’s legacy should extend beyond his immediate family. Sources indicate that Silva may be advocating for the establishment of a foundation in Jota’s name, potentially to support youth football programs in Gondomar, where Jota began his career. The Diogo Jota Academy, named in his honor in 2022, stands as a testament to his commitment to nurturing young talent in his hometown. Silva’s claim that “this is not what he wanted” may reflect a desire to honor Jota’s philanthropic intentions, which were evident throughout his career.

The Football Community’s Response

The dispute has drawn attention from the football world, with many expressing sympathy for both parties. Liverpool FC, where Jota played 182 matches and scored 65 goals, has remained silent on the legal proceedings but has continued to honor the forward’s memory. The club retired Jota’s number 20 jersey across all levels, a decision made in consultation with Melo and the family, and has pledged to support Jota’s loved ones. Additionally, Chelsea FC’s players recently made headlines by donating a portion of their $15.5 million Club World Cup bonus fund—approximately $500,000 per player—to the families of Jota and André Silva, a gesture that underscores the widespread respect for the brothers.

Former teammates, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Portugal’s Rúben Neves, have also voiced their support for the family. Neves, who accompanied Melo to a Wolves match in August, promised to ensure that Jota’s memory endures, stating, “I will make sure that you are always present.” The football community’s response highlights the challenge of balancing personal loss with public expectations, as Jota’s legacy continues to inspire.

Legal and Financial Implications

The legal battle over the €15 million in bonuses is likely to hinge on Jota’s will, if one exists, and Portuguese inheritance laws. Given the recency of Jota’s marriage to Melo, questions have arisen about whether he updated his estate plans to reflect his new family structure. Portuguese law typically prioritizes spouses and children in inheritance disputes, which could strengthen Melo’s claim. However, Joaquim Silva’s assertion that Jota had other intentions may prompt a closer examination of any documented wishes, such as verbal agreements or prior discussions with family members.

Additionally, reports suggest that Liverpool may continue paying out the final two years of Jota’s £140,000-per-week contract, potentially adding £14.5 million to the estate. This financial commitment, combined with Jota’s eSports ventures and sponsorship deals, underscores the complexity of managing his legacy. Legal experts speculate that the court may appoint a mediator to resolve the dispute, particularly given the emotional stakes and the public nature of the case.

A Community in Mourning

The drama in Porto comes at a time when Gondomar and the broader football community are still grappling with Jota’s loss. Thousands attended the brothers’ funeral on July 5, 2025, where the Bishop of Porto, D. Manuel Linda, delivered a poignant message to Jota’s children, urging them to carry forward their father’s spirit. Fans have left tributes at Anfield, Molineux, and Gondomar’s Igreja Matriz, with scarves, flowers, and even a Liverpool FC-branded PlayStation controller—a nod to Jota’s love of gaming—adorning memorials.

For the people of Gondomar, Jota was more than a footballer; he was a symbol of resilience and humility. His journey from a small club to the Premier League inspired many, and his death has left a void. As one local resident, Goncalo Ferreira, noted, “He was the boy who got out. This is a small city, and all of us dream to win in life.” The courthouse dispute risks overshadowing this legacy, but it also reflects the deep love and competing visions for honoring Jota’s memory.

Looking Forward

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on Jota’s family and their efforts to navigate this tragedy. Sofia Melo’s determination to secure her children’s future and Joaquim Silva’s impassioned plea to honor his son’s broader vision highlight the complexity of grief and legacy. The outcome of the dispute will likely shape how Jota’s contributions—both on and off the pitch—are remembered.

For now, the football world watches with bated breath, hoping that the resolution respects the spirit of a man who, as Liverpool manager Arne Slot described, “was a loved one to all of us.” Whether through a charitable foundation, a trust for his children, or a combination of both, Diogo Jota’s legacy will endure, a testament to his talent, humility, and the profound impact he had on those around him.