In a scene that has shattered hearts across the globe, the loyal Beagles of soccer star Diogo Jota have become symbols of unbreakable devotion in the wake of his tragic passing. For days following the funeral, the two dogs—Luna and Max—have refused to eat, lying motionless by their master’s grave in a quiet cemetery in Porto, Portugal, as if waiting for him to return. This silent vigil, captured in viral photos and videos shared by grieving family members and fans, serves as a poignant reminder that love and grief transcend words, species, and even death itself. “It’s like they’re still protecting him,” a close family friend whispered through tears. “Diogo always said his dogs were his best friends—now, they’re proving it in the most heartbreaking way.”

The image of Luna and Max, their heads bowed low and eyes fixed on the fresh earth covering Jota’s resting place, has moved millions to tears. Social media platforms are flooded with messages of sorrow, with hashtags like #JotaForever and #LoyalBeagles trending worldwide. Fans from Liverpool FC, where Jota made his mark as a dynamic forward, to his native Portugal, have shared stories of their own pets’ loyalty, drawing parallels to legendary tales like that of Hachiko, the Japanese Akita who waited for his deceased owner for years. But for Jota’s family—his wife Rute Cardoso, their young children, and his parents—the dogs’ refusal to leave the grave is a double-edged sword: a beautiful testament to the bond they shared, yet a gut-wrenching reflection of the void left behind.

Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, known to the world as Diogo Jota, was only 28 when he passed away on July 28, 2025, from complications following a rare and aggressive form of leukemia diagnosed just six months earlier. The news sent shockwaves through the football community, robbing the sport of one of its brightest talents and a man whose off-field humility matched his on-field brilliance. Jota’s life was a story of triumph over adversity, from humble beginnings in Massarelos, Porto, to becoming a key player for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. But it was his personal life—particularly his deep love for his family and his two Beagle dogs—that has now taken center stage in this tale of unwavering loyalty.

Born on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Jota grew up in a working-class family, the son of Joaquim and Isabel da Silva. From a young age, his passion for football was evident, kicking a ball around the streets of his neighborhood with dreams of professional glory. He joined Paços de Ferreira’s youth academy at 9, making his senior debut at 18 in 2014. His talent quickly caught the eye of scouts, leading to a move to Atlético Madrid in 2016, though loans to Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers honed his skills. It was at Wolves where Jota truly blossomed, scoring 44 goals in 131 appearances and forming a lethal partnership with Raúl Jiménez.

Liverpool signed him in September 2020 for £41 million, a transfer that proved transformative. Under Jürgen Klopp, Jota became a fan favorite, known for his clinical finishing, work rate, and versatility. He scored 55 goals in 142 games, contributing to wins in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. His international career with Portugal included 12 goals in 36 caps, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2022 World Cup. Off the pitch, Jota was a family man, marrying Rute Cardoso in 2017 after meeting as teenagers. Their sons, born in 2021 and 2023, were his greatest joy, often featured in heartwarming social media posts.

But Jota’s love extended to his pets. Luna and Max, two playful Beagles adopted in 2018, were constant companions. Beagles, known for their affectionate nature and boundless energy, fit perfectly into Jota’s active lifestyle. He frequently shared photos of them on Instagram, captioning one, “My furry teammates—always ready for a game.” The dogs accompanied him on walks, travels, and even training sessions, becoming mascots for his fans. “Diogo treated them like children,” Rute said in a 2024 interview. “They slept in our bed, went everywhere with us. He said they kept him grounded.”

Jota’s diagnosis in January 2025 came as a bolt from the blue. What started as fatigue and unexplained bruises led to tests revealing acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-spreading cancer of the blood. Liverpool FC announced his indefinite absence, with teammates dedicating wins to him. Jota underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, showing signs of recovery by April. “I’m fighting,” he posted on Instagram in March, a photo of him with Luna and Max by his hospital bed. But complications arose in July—a infection post-transplant proved fatal. He died peacefully at home in Porto, surrounded by family, including his dogs who reportedly lay by his side until the end.

The funeral on August 1 was a somber affair, attended by football royalty like Jürgen Klopp, Virgil van Dijk, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Thousands lined the streets of Porto, chanting “Jota! Jota!” as the procession passed. Buried in a family plot at Agramonte Cemetery, Jota’s grave is marked by a simple stone engraved with “Beloved Son, Husband, Father, and Friend.” But it’s the dogs’ behavior that has captured global attention.

Since the burial, Luna and Max have refused to leave the gravesite. Family members report the Beagles lying there for hours, ignoring food and water, their whimpers echoing in the quiet cemetery. “They won’t eat,” Rute shared on Instagram, posting a photo of the dogs curled up on the grass. “It’s like they’re waiting for him to come back. My heart breaks every time I see them.” Veterinarians have been called, administering fluids to prevent dehydration, but the dogs’ loyalty persists, a silent protest against their loss.

This display echoes famous stories of animal devotion. Hachiko, the Akita who waited for his owner at a Tokyo train station for nine years after his death in 1925, became a symbol of fidelity in Japan. Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier in 19th-century Edinburgh, guarded his master’s grave for 14 years. Jota’s Beagles join this pantheon, their grief a universal language that transcends species. “It’s the purest form of love,” said animal behaviorist Dr. Elena Rodriguez. “Dogs form deep bonds; when broken, they mourn profoundly, often refusing food or staying near the deceased’s scent.”

Fans have been moved to tears, sharing videos and stories online. Liverpool supporters organized a vigil at Anfield, where thousands held signs reading “Loyal Like Luna and Max.” Social media is awash with messages: “Those dogs loved Diogo as much as we did,” tweeted @LFCForever. Portuguese fans started a fundraiser for animal shelters in Jota’s name, raising over €500,000. Celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo posted, “Heartbroken for the family—and those faithful dogs.” Even non-soccer fans are touched, with one viral video of a child explaining to his pet, “That’s how much dogs love us.”

Rute and the children—aged 4 and 2—have visited the grave daily, coaxing the dogs home each evening. “They’re part of our family,” Rute said. “Diogo would want them cared for.” Experts advise gradual separation, but the dogs’ vigil has become a symbol of Jota’s impact—his kindness extended to all, human or animal.

Jota’s legacy endures. Liverpool retired his number 20 jersey, and Porto named a youth academy field after him. His foundation for children’s cancer research, established post-diagnosis, has received millions in donations. Teammates like Mohamed Salah dedicated goals to him, saying, “Diogo was more than a player—he was a brother.”

The Beagles’ loyalty reminds us of grief’s universality. As Dr. Rodriguez notes, “Animals teach us about pure emotion.” In Porto’s cemetery, Luna and Max stand guard, a silent tribute to a man whose love inspired unwavering devotion. Diogo Jota may be gone, but his spirit lives on—in the hearts of fans, family, and two faithful dogs who refuse to forget.