Secret Will Revealed: Diogo Jota’s Handwritten Instructions Unearthed, Hinting at Unexpected Inheritance Split

Porto, Portugal – August 28, 2025
In a stunning development in the ongoing saga over Diogo Jota’s £35 million estate, a sealed envelope marked “Urgent” containing the late footballer’s handwritten instructions was discovered by his wife, Rute Cardoso, in a locked safe at their family home in Gondomar. The document, verified as authentic by Porto police on August 27, 2025, reportedly outlines an inheritance split that has shocked Jota’s family, including his widow and parents, and threatens to further escalate the already explosive feud over his assets. The revelation comes amid heightened tensions, with Jota’s parents accusing Cardoso of secretly attempting to transfer 60% of his property portfolio to herself, and medical warnings about the toll of stress on Cardoso’s unborn child.

A Hidden Directive Surfaces

Diogo Jota, the beloved Liverpool and Portugal star, died alongside his brother André Silva in a tragic car accident on July 3, 2025, just 11 days after marrying Rute Cardoso. The crash, caused by a tire blowout on a Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder in Zamora, Spain, left Cardoso a widow with three children—Dinis, Duarte, and Mafalda—and a fourth due in early 2026. Jota’s estate, including €15 million in Liverpool bonuses, a £2.125 million home in Liverpool’s Blundellsands suburb, and investments tied to his eSports ventures, has been at the center of a bitter dispute between Cardoso and Jota’s parents, Joaquim and Isabel Silva.

The newly discovered envelope, found in a safe alongside other personal items, is said to contain a handwritten letter dated June 20, 2025, just two weeks before Jota’s death. Sources close to the family describe the document as a concise set of instructions for the distribution of his estate, outlining a division of assets that deviates significantly from expectations. While the exact details remain confidential pending legal review, the letter reportedly allocates portions of Jota’s wealth to his children, Cardoso, his parents, and, surprisingly, a charitable trust for Gondomar’s community, including the local fire brigade and youth football programs. The inclusion of a substantial charitable component aligns with Jota’s history of philanthropy, notably his request during his wedding that guests donate to local causes instead of giving gifts.

Police Confirmation and Family Reactions

Porto police confirmed the document’s authenticity on August 27, 2025, after forensic analysis verified Jota’s handwriting and the paper’s origin. The discovery has added a new layer of complexity to the legal battle, which intensified earlier this week when Joaquim and Isabel Silva accused Cardoso of secretly filing documents to transfer 60% of Jota’s property portfolio to herself. Security footage from August 27 showed a 22-minute argument between Cardoso and the Silvas in the family’s Gondomar office, with Joaquim alleging that Cardoso’s actions betrayed Jota’s wishes.

Cardoso, who discovered the envelope while sorting through Jota’s personal effects, reportedly broke down in tears upon reading its contents. A source close to her stated, “Rute was overwhelmed. The letter shows Diogo’s heart—his love for his family and his hometown—but it’s not what anyone expected.” The unexpected split has reportedly caused friction, as the Silvas believe the charitable allocations validate their push for a foundation in Jota’s name, while Cardoso maintains her focus on securing her children’s financial future, especially after doctors warned that stress from the disputes could endanger her pregnancy.

The letter’s discovery also raises questions about earlier findings, including 17 letters Jota wrote to his unborn daughter Mafalda and a sealed letter addressed to “My Future Daughter” found in his Liverpool locker. These personal writings, combined with the newly revealed instructions, paint a picture of a man deeply reflective about his legacy in the weeks before his death.

Legal and Emotional Ramifications

The authenticated document is expected to play a pivotal role in upcoming court hearings scheduled for September 2025. Portuguese inheritance law typically prioritizes spouses and children, but a valid will could override standard provisions. Legal experts suggest that Jota’s handwritten instructions, if deemed a legally binding will, could resolve the dispute over the €15 million Liverpool bonuses and the property portfolio, which includes the Blundellsands home and other investments. However, the inclusion of a charitable trust may complicate matters, as it could reduce the assets available to Cardoso and her children, fueling further tension.

The emotional toll on Cardoso has been significant. On August 28, doctors at a private Porto clinic warned that stress from the ongoing feud could jeopardize her unborn child, a concern that has heightened calls for mediation. The football community, still reeling from Jota’s loss, has rallied around the family, with Liverpool FC pledging continued support and teammates like Rúben Neves and Virgil van Dijk offering public condolences. Chelsea FC’s donation of $500,000 per player from their Club World Cup bonuses to Jota’s and André’s families underscores the widespread respect for the late footballer.

A Legacy in Limbo

The revelation of Jota’s will has reignited discussions about his legacy in Gondomar, where he remains a local hero. Fans have left tributes at Anfield, Molineux, and Gondomar’s Igreja Matriz, including scarves, flowers, and gaming memorabilia reflecting Jota’s eSports passion. The community is divided, with some supporting Cardoso’s efforts to protect her children and others backing the Silvas’ vision for a charitable foundation. A fraudulent “Diogo Jota Foundation” website, which raised £47,715 before vanishing, has further complicated efforts to honor Jota’s memory.

The letter’s reference to a charitable trust aligns with earlier reports of Jota’s intentions, including a 37-second voice message to his father on the morning of the crash, which ended with a poignant word that left Joaquim speechless. These discoveries suggest Jota was contemplating his legacy in the weeks before his death, possibly prompted by his recent marriage or the birth of his third child.

A Path to Resolution?

As the legal battle moves forward, the focus remains on balancing Jota’s wishes with the needs of his family. The authenticated letter could provide clarity, but it also risks deepening the rift between Cardoso and the Silvas. Mediation has been proposed as a way to avoid further escalation, particularly given the health risks to Cardoso’s pregnancy. The Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, who officiated Jota’s funeral, urged the family to find “peace through unity,” echoing sentiments from fans who hope for a resolution that honors Jota’s memory.

For now, the discovery of the “Urgent” envelope has shifted the narrative, offering a glimpse into Jota’s final intentions. Whether it will unify or further divide his family remains uncertain, but it underscores the complexity of his legacy—a footballer whose talent, humility, and love for his community continue to inspire, even as those closest to him grapple with the weight of his loss.

Sources: The News Scroll, Daily Mail, BBC News, August 2025