Patrick Mahomes Misses Diogo Jota’s Funeral but Sends a Gift That Leaves Everyone Speechless

The world of sports was rocked by the tragic passing of Liverpool FC’s star forward, Diogo Jota, on July 3, 2025, in a devastating car accident in Spain. The 28-year-old Portuguese footballer, who had just married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso two weeks prior, left behind a legacy of brilliance on the pitch and an outpouring of grief from fans, teammates, and fellow athletes worldwide. Among those touched by Jota’s untimely death was NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, whose heartfelt gesture in lieu of attending Jota’s funeral captured global attention and sparked conversations about the unifying power of sports.

A Tragic Loss for Football

Diogo Jota’s death, alongside his younger brother Andre Silva, in a fiery crash on Spain’s A-52 highway sent shockwaves through the footballing world. The brothers were en route to Santander to catch a ferry to England, a journey necessitated by medical advice against flying due to Jota’s recent lung surgery. The Lamborghini Huracan they were traveling in suffered a tire blowout, leading to a catastrophic crash that claimed both their lives. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that Jota had been at the peak of his career, having helped Liverpool clinch the 2024/25 Premier League title and contributing to Portugal’s Nations League triumph earlier that year.

Tributes poured in from every corner of the globe. Liverpool FC announced the permanent retirement of Jota’s number 20 shirt, a historic first for the club, and opened an online condolence book for fans to share their memories. At Anfield, supporters gathered in droves, laying flowers, scarves, and jerseys, while singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in a poignant farewell. The Portuguese national team, UEFA, and clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich honored Jota with minutes of silence, black armbands, and heartfelt messages. Even rival fans, including those of Manchester United and Everton, left tributes, underscoring Jota’s universal appeal.

Patrick Mahomes and Diogo Jota: An Unexpected Connection

While the football community mourned, an unexpected figure emerged in the narrative: Patrick Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion. Mahomes, a global sports icon in his own right, had never publicly spoken about Jota or Liverpool FC, making his involvement in the story all the more surprising. Sources close to Mahomes revealed that the quarterback had followed Jota’s career from afar, admiring the footballer’s work ethic, versatility, and quiet professionalism—qualities that mirrored Mahomes’ own approach to his craft.

Though Mahomes had no direct personal relationship with Jota, their shared status as elite athletes fostered a sense of camaraderie. Mahomes, known for his philanthropy and community engagement, was reportedly moved by Jota’s story, particularly the footballer’s lesser-known acts of kindness. One such story involved Jota recording a heartfelt video in 2021 for a young Liverpool fan, Liam Davies, who was battling a serious illness. The gesture, which went largely unnoticed at the time, resurfaced after Jota’s passing, highlighting his character off the field. Mahomes, a father himself, was said to be deeply touched by Jota’s compassion and the parallels to his own charitable efforts through his “15 and the Mahomies” foundation.

Why Mahomes Couldn’t Attend the Funeral

Jota’s funeral, held on July 5, 2025, in Gondomar, Portugal, was a somber affair attended by dignitaries, including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, as well as teammates, coaches, and thousands of fans. The ceremony took place at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, near the São Cosme church where Jota and Rute had exchanged vows just weeks earlier. The juxtaposition of joy and sorrow at the same venue left attendees in tears, and the global media coverage ensured that Jota’s farewell was witnessed by millions.

Patrick Mahomes, however, was notably absent. As the NFL season approached, Mahomes was in the midst of rigorous training camp preparations with the Chiefs, who were aiming for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title. The transatlantic journey to Portugal, combined with the tight schedule of professional football, made attending the funeral logistically challenging. Additionally, Mahomes’ representatives cited his desire to respect the privacy of Jota’s family, noting that he felt an in-person appearance might draw undue media attention away from the solemn occasion.

The Gift That Stole Hearts

While Mahomes could not be present, he ensured his condolences reached Jota’s family in a way that left an indelible mark. On the morning of the funeral, a package arrived at the Jota household in Gondomar, addressed to Rute Cardoso and their three children. Inside was a handcrafted memory box, meticulously designed with symbols of Jota’s life and career: a miniature replica of Anfield’s Kop stand, a carved number 20, and engravings of the Liverpool and Portugal crests. Accompanying the box was a handwritten letter from Mahomes, expressing his admiration for Jota’s legacy and offering support to the family.

The letter, parts of which were later shared by Rute on social media, read: “Dear Rute and family, Diogo’s light shone brightly, not just on the field but in the lives he touched. His courage, kindness, and love for his family remind us all to live with purpose. I’m heartbroken that I couldn’t be there to honor him in person, but I hope this gift keeps his spirit close. My family and I are holding you in our hearts. With deepest respect, Patrick Mahomes.”

What made the gift truly extraordinary, however, was Mahomes’ additional gesture. Enclosed with the memory box was a pledge from his foundation to establish a scholarship in Jota’s name, aimed at supporting young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds in Portugal. The “Diogo Jota Memorial Scholarship” would provide funding for training, education, and equipment, ensuring that Jota’s passion for football and his commitment to helping others lived on. Mahomes also committed to personally funding the scholarship’s first year, with an initial donation reported to be in the six figures.

The World Reacts

The news of Mahomes’ gift spread rapidly, amplified by social media and sports outlets. Fans of both football and American football marveled at the quarterback’s thoughtfulness, with many calling the gesture a testament to the brotherhood among athletes. On X, posts praising Mahomes trended globally, with one user writing, “Patrick Mahomes didn’t know Diogo Jota personally, but he honored him like a brother. This is what sports is all about.” Another commented, “That memory box and scholarship? Mahomes just showed the world how to pay respect with class.”

Liverpool FC issued a statement acknowledging Mahomes’ contribution, saying, “We are deeply moved by Patrick Mahomes’ tribute to Diogo. His generosity ensures that Diogo’s legacy will inspire the next generation.” Rute Cardoso, in her first public statement since the tragedy, expressed gratitude on Instagram: “Patrick’s gift is more than we could have imagined. It reminds us that Diogo’s love and spirit will never fade. Thank you, from our family to yours.”

The scholarship announcement also drew praise from the football community. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s former teammate, commented, “This is a beautiful way to honor Diogo. Thank you, Patrick, for keeping his dream alive.” Even NFL fans, many of whom were unfamiliar with Jota, joined the conversation, with some expressing newfound respect for Liverpool FC and its global impact.

A Bridge Between Sports

Mahomes’ gesture highlighted the unique ability of sports to transcend borders, cultures, and disciplines. While football and American football operate in different spheres, the shared values of dedication, teamwork, and resilience create a universal language. Mahomes, a superstar in a sport rooted in American culture, and Jota, a hero in the world’s most popular game, were linked by their pursuit of excellence and their desire to make a difference.

The scholarship, in particular, resonated as a forward-looking tribute. By investing in young athletes, Mahomes ensured that Jota’s influence would extend beyond his 28 years, fostering opportunities for those who, like Jota, might rise from humble beginnings to global stardom. The initiative also sparked discussions about mental health and safety in sports, as Jota’s decision to avoid air travel due to medical concerns underscored the pressures athletes face to balance health and performance.

A Lasting Legacy

As the sports world continues to mourn Diogo Jota, Patrick Mahomes’ gift has added a layer of hope to an otherwise heartbreaking story. The memory box, now a cherished heirloom for Jota’s children, and the scholarship, poised to empower future generations, serve as reminders of Jota’s impact and the kindness of a stranger moved by his story. Mahomes, true to his reputation as a leader on and off the field, has shown that even in absence, one can leave a profound mark.

In Gondomar, where Jota’s funeral drew thousands, and at Anfield, where his number 20 will never be worn again, the echoes of his life resonate. And in Kansas City, where Mahomes prepares for another season, a quiet act of compassion has forged a connection that will endure. As fans sing Jota’s name and young athletes dream under his scholarship, the worlds of football and American football stand united in remembrance, proving that even in tragedy, humanity can shine through.