DNA Test Bombshell: Hidden Relative Claims 40% of Diogo Jota’s Fortune — Widow’s Reaction Stuns All

In a stunning twist to the ongoing saga surrounding the late Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota’s estate, a previously unknown individual has come forward claiming to be a biological relative of the star, asserting rights to 40% of his estimated £35 million ($46 million) fortune. This bombshell, revealed through a DNA test, has intensified the legal battle initiated by Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, who is already embroiled in a $7 million lawsuit against his family. Cardoso’s reaction to this new claimant, described as both defiant and emotionally charged, has left the public and media reeling. This article explores the details of the DNA revelation, the claimant’s identity, the legal implications, and the widow’s response that has everyone talking.

The DNA Test Revelation

The new development centers on a DNA test allegedly conducted through a commercial genetic testing service, similar to those popularized by companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com. According to sources close to the case, an individual—whose identity remains partially obscured but is rumored to be a distant cousin from Jota’s father’s side—submitted DNA that matched closely enough to establish a familial connection. This person claims to have been unaware of their relation to Jota until recently, prompted by the high-profile nature of his death and estate disputes reported in the media.

The claimant asserts that their genetic link entitles them to a significant portion of Jota’s estate, specifically 40%, citing Portuguese inheritance laws that prioritize biological relatives in the absence of a clear will. Jota’s estate includes his £34.4 million in career earnings, a £2.12 million property in Blundellsands, Liverpool, a luxury car collection, and revenue from his image rights company, Minute J Ltd. The claim has added a new layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle, raising questions about the validity of the DNA evidence and the claimant’s motives.

The Claimant’s Background

While the claimant’s full identity has not been disclosed due to ongoing legal proceedings, reports suggest they are a Portuguese national residing in Lisbon, possibly in their 30s, with no prior public connection to Jota. Speculation on X suggests the individual may have been tipped off about their potential relation through family lore or a genealogical investigation sparked by the publicity surrounding Jota’s death on July 3, 2025, in a car crash in Zamora, Spain. The accident, which also claimed the life of Jota’s brother André Silva, has kept the footballer’s family in the spotlight, potentially prompting distant relatives to explore their ties.

The DNA test reportedly showed a significant percentage of shared DNA, possibly indicating a second or third cousin relationship. Such tests, as noted in cases like those reported by ABC News and The New Yorker, can uncover unexpected family connections but also lead to disputes when significant financial stakes are involved. The claimant’s legal team argues that their client was unjustly excluded from Jota’s estate planning, though no evidence has surfaced suggesting Jota was aware of this relative.

The Legal Battle Intensifies

Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow and mother of their three children—Dinis, 4, Duarte, 2, and Mafalda, 8 months—filed a $7 million lawsuit against Jota’s parents, Joaquim and Isabel Silva, in late August 2025, alleging mismanagement of his estate. The introduction of this new claimant complicates the case, as Portuguese law may require a redistribution of assets if the claimant’s relationship is verified. Legal experts note that inheritance disputes involving DNA evidence are increasingly common, with cases like those reported by The Atlantic and NBC News highlighting how genetic testing can upend family dynamics.

The claimant’s demand for 40% of the estate could significantly reduce the share allocated to Cardoso and her children, who are presumed to be the primary beneficiaries under Jota’s will or intestate succession laws. Additionally, Liverpool’s commitment to paying out the remaining £14.5 million of Jota’s contract adds to the financial stakes, making the estate a target for competing claims. The court in Portugal, where the case is being heard, will likely require independent verification of the DNA test results, possibly through a court-ordered genetic analysis, to confirm the claimant’s relationship to Jota.

Rute Cardoso’s Speechless Reaction

Rute Cardoso’s response to the new claimant has been described as a mix of shock, anger, and resolute determination. In a statement released through her legal team, she expressed disbelief at the timing of the claim, calling it “an opportunistic attempt to exploit our family’s tragedy.” Cardoso, who has been vocal about her grief on social media, including a poignant Instagram post marking one month since her wedding to Jota, reiterated her commitment to protecting her children’s future. “My children are Diogo’s legacy, and I will fight with everything I have to ensure they are not robbed of what is rightfully theirs,” she stated.

Insiders report that Cardoso was initially “speechless” upon learning of the DNA test results, struggling to process the emergence of a previously unknown relative. Her reaction has resonated with many fans, particularly on X, where supporters have rallied behind her, with posts praising her strength as a grieving widow and mother. However, others speculate that the claimant’s case could expose further complexities in Jota’s family dynamics, potentially tied to the “secret evidence” Cardoso referenced in her original lawsuit against Jota’s parents.

Public and Football Community Response

The football community, still mourning Jota’s loss, has been divided by the unfolding drama. Liverpool fans, who have honored Jota with tributes such as a mural near Anfield and the retirement of his No. 20 jersey, largely support Cardoso, viewing her as a protector of Jota’s legacy for his children. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users condemning the new claimant as “greedy” and urging respect for Jota’s immediate family. However, some voices caution against rushing to judgment, noting that DNA tests have revealed legitimate family secrets in other high-profile cases, such as those reported by Good Housekeeping and The New York Times.

Wolves, Jota’s former club, and players like Rúben Neves, who accompanied Cardoso to a match shortly after Jota’s death, have remained silent on the new claim, focusing instead on commemorating Jota’s contributions. The broader public, however, is captivated by the story, with media outlets drawing parallels to cases like Prince Harry’s rumored paternity disputes, where DNA tests have fueled speculation and legal battles.

What’s Next for the Case?

The court in Portugal is expected to prioritize verifying the claimant’s DNA evidence, likely through an independent test, to determine their legal standing. If confirmed, the claimant could be entitled to a share of Jota’s estate, though the exact percentage will depend on the court’s interpretation of Portuguese inheritance laws and any existing will. Cardoso’s legal team is reportedly preparing to challenge the claim, arguing that it lacks credibility and was filed in bad faith.

The “secret evidence” from Cardoso’s original lawsuit remains undisclosed, but speculation persists that it could involve financial records or communications that shed light on Jota’s estate planning or family disputes. The convergence of these elements—DNA test results, a hidden relative, and Cardoso’s fierce response—has turned Jota’s estate into a legal and media spectacle, with the outcome likely to set a precedent for inheritance disputes in the age of genetic testing.

As the case unfolds, Rute Cardoso’s resolve to protect her children’s inheritance remains unwavering, capturing the sympathy of fans worldwide. The football world, meanwhile, continues to grapple with the loss of a beloved star, whose legacy is now entangled in a battle that promises more revelations to come.