In the wake of one of football’s most heartbreaking tragedies, the world continues to mourn the loss of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool star whose life was cut short in a devastating car crash just weeks after his fairy-tale wedding. But amid the tributes and tears, a poignant revelation from his widow, Rute Cardoso, has emerged, shedding light on a deeply personal side of the Portuguese forward that few knew about. In an exclusive interview with Portuguese media outlet A Bola, Rute opened up about a “strange habit” that Jota inadvertently passed down to their young son, Dinis—a quirk so eerily reminiscent of her late husband that it reduces her to tears every time she witnesses it. “Every time he does it, I break down in tears… It’s just too much like his father,” she confessed, her voice trembling with a mix of sorrow and bittersweet affection. What is this mysterious habit, and why does it hold such power over a grieving family? As we delve into the details, prepare to uncover a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you wondering: Could this be the ultimate legacy of a man who lived life on his own terms?

The Rise of a Football Phenomenon: Diogo Jota’s Journey to Stardom

Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, better known as Diogo Jota, was born on December 4, 1996, in Massarelos, Porto, Portugal. From humble beginnings in the youth academy of Gondomar, Jota’s path to glory was marked by determination and raw talent. He adopted the moniker “Jota” to stand out from other players with similar names, a clever nod to the Portuguese pronunciation of the letter “J.” His professional debut came with Paços de Ferreira in 2014, where he quickly made history as the youngest player to score for the club in the Primeira Liga. A move to Atlético Madrid in 2016 followed, but it was his loan spells at Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers that truly showcased his prowess.

At Wolves, Jota formed a lethal partnership with Raúl Jiménez, helping the team secure promotion to the Premier League in 2018 with 17 goals. His £41 million transfer to Liverpool in 2020 was a game-changer. Under Jürgen Klopp, Jota became a versatile forward, capable of playing across the front line. He contributed to Liverpool’s triumphs, including the 2021-22 FA Cup and EFL Cup double, and the 2024-25 Premier League title. Internationally, he represented Portugal, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, and featuring in major tournaments like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.

Off the pitch, Jota was a modern Renaissance man. An avid gamer, he ranked No. 1 globally in FIFA 21’s Champions Leaderboard and founded his own eSports team, Luna Galaxy. He streamed on Twitch, blending his football fame with digital entertainment. But it was his family life that grounded him. Jota met his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, in high school, and their relationship blossomed into a quiet, devoted partnership. They welcomed their first son, Dinis, in 2021, followed by Duarte in 2023, and a daughter whose name has been kept private to protect her privacy. On June 22, 2025, they tied the knot in a intimate ceremony in Portugal, surrounded by close family and friends. Tragically, this joy was short-lived.

The Tragic End: A Crash That Shook the World

On July 3, 2025, just 11 days after their wedding, Jota and his brother André Silva perished in a horrific car accident on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain. Jota, recovering from minor lung surgery, had been advised against flying and was driving his Lamborghini Huracán to Santander to catch a ferry back to Liverpool for pre-season training. According to reports from the Spanish Civil Guard, a tire blowout caused the vehicle to veer off the road, crash into a barrier, and burst into flames. Speed may have been a factor, but the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

The news sent shockwaves through the football community. Tributes poured in from teammates, rivals, and fans. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk vowed to “always be there” for Jota’s family, while Cristiano Ronaldo called him “a true warrior.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA issued statements, and moments of silence were observed at matches worldwide. Jota’s funeral in Gondomar drew thousands, including Liverpool legends like Mohamed Salah and Jürgen Klopp. The club retired his No. 20 jersey across all levels, and fans created murals at Anfield, immortalizing his infectious smile and unyielding spirit.

For Rute Cardoso, now a widow at 28, the loss was unimaginable. Left to raise three young children—Dinis (4), Duarte (2), and their infant daughter—she has largely retreated from the public eye, focusing on healing. But in her recent interview, she shared glimpses of their private world, revealing how Jota’s presence lingers in unexpected ways.

The Strange Habit Revealed: A Father’s Legacy in Miniature

The habit in question is deceptively simple yet profoundly odd—a ritual Jota developed during his early days at Paços de Ferreira. To focus amid the chaos of professional football, Jota would tie his shoelaces in a “reverse knot,” starting from the bottom eyelet and twisting the laces counterclockwise three times before securing them. It wasn’t just functional; it was superstitious. “He said it ‘locked in’ his focus,” Rute explained. “It started as a way to avoid distractions—he lived in the club dormitory to learn languages and stay sharp. But it became his thing. Before every match, every training session, even casual walks, he’d do it. Fans never knew because it was so subtle.”

What makes this habit “strange” is its eccentricity. Most players have pre-game routines—touching the grass, kissing a tattoo—but Jota’s was meticulously precise, almost obsessive. He once joked in a 2021 interview that it was “my secret weapon against bad luck.” Psychologists suggest such rituals stem from high-pressure environments, providing a sense of control. For Jota, it evolved into a family quirk. During lockdown, he’d teach Dinis to tie his shoes the “Jota way,” turning it into a bonding game. “Diogo would say, ‘Twist it like Papa, and you’ll be unstoppable,’” Rute recalled.

Now, Dinis, at just four years old, has adopted it unconsciously. “He does it every morning before putting on his little football boots,” Rute said, her eyes welling up. “The way he concentrates, the little frown—it’s exactly like Diogo. Every time he does it, I break down in tears… It’s just too much like his father. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.” The habit isn’t limited to shoes; Dinis applies the “reverse twist” to tying his backpack or even wrapping gifts, mimicking his dad’s methodical nature.

Emotional Echoes: Why This Habit Hits So Hard

Rute’s confession has sparked a wave of empathy, but why does this seemingly innocuous habit evoke such raw emotion? Grief experts point to “continuing bonds”—the ways survivors maintain connections with the deceased through shared rituals. Dr. Maria Santos, a Lisbon-based psychologist specializing in bereavement, explains: “Habits like this act as triggers. For Rute, seeing Dinis replicate it is a double-edged sword: It revives joyful memories but underscores the permanent absence. It’s a visceral reminder that Jota’s essence lives on, yet he’s gone.”

In the interview, Rute elaborated on the habit’s origins. During Jota’s time at Wolves, he refined it amid homesickness, using it as a mental anchor. At Liverpool, it became part of his pre-match preparation, often done in the tunnel before games. Teammates like Trent Alexander-Arnold noticed but respected its privacy. “Diogo was quirky like that,” Alexander-Arnold said in a tribute. “It was his zen moment.”

For the family, it’s now a symbol of legacy. Duarte, too young to remember his father, watches Dinis and mimics clumsily, creating a chain of inheritance. Rute admits it’s overwhelming: “Sometimes I have to leave the room. But I don’t stop him—it’s like Diogo is still teaching them.” This revelation humanizes Jota beyond the pitch, portraying him as a doting father whose idiosyncrasies endure.

Fan Reactions and the Broader Impact

The story has gone viral, with fans flooding social media. On X, #JotaHabit trended, with users sharing personal rituals inspired by idols. “Heartbreaking but beautiful—Jota lives on in his kids,” one fan tweeted. Others speculate on similar habits among stars, like Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick stance or Lionel Messi’s ball-pointing gesture.

Psychologically, it raises questions about nature vs. nurture. Is Dinis’s adoption genetic or learned? Child development expert Dr. Pedro Almeida notes: “Children often mirror parents subconsciously, especially in grief. This could be Dinis’s way of processing loss.” For Rute, it’s therapeutic yet painful, prompting her to seek counseling.

Liverpool has embraced it, planning a “Jota Legacy” program for youth rituals in football. Fans wonder: Will Dinis follow his father’s footsteps? At four, he already shows promise, kicking balls with Jota’s flair.

A Legacy That Lingers: Click to Uncover More

As Rute navigates widowhood, this habit stands as a testament to Jota’s enduring influence. It’s a story of love, loss, and the quirks that bind generations. But what other secrets did Jota leave behind? How will his children carry his torch? Dive deeper into this emotional saga—click the link below to read the full interview and see exclusive family photos that will leave you in tears.