On July 3, 2025, the football world was shattered by the tragic loss of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso. The 28-year-old forward, a beloved figure for his 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and his vibrant family life, left behind his wife and three young children: Denis, 4, Duarte, 2, and eight-month-old Mafalda. In the wake of this devastating loss, a heart-wrenching discovery emerged: Rute found three hand-written notes in Jota’s study, each addressed to one of their children, penned before their June 22 wedding. One, addressed to “My Hero Daughter” Mafalda, has captured hearts worldwide, revealing the depth of Jota’s love and the enduring legacy he left for his family. This article explores the notes’ discovery, their emotional resonance, the circumstances of Jota’s life and loss, and the profound impact on his family, fans, and the global community, weaving a deeply moving narrative of love, grief, and hope.

The Tragic Crash and a Family’s Loss

The accident occurred on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain, at 12:30 a.m. on July 3, 2025. Jota, driving a Lamborghini Huracán with André, a 25-year-old FC Penafiel player, lost control during an overtake, likely due to a tire blowout exacerbated by high speed, as reported by the Spanish Civil Guard. The car veered off the road and caught fire, claiming both brothers’ lives. Jota, recovering from recent lung surgery that restricted him from flying, was en route to Santander to catch a ferry back to the UK for Liverpool’s pre-season training. Their three Beagle dogs—Luna, Óscar, and Nina—were in the car but miraculously survived, though Luna’s subsequent grief, refusing to leave her puppy bed, became a poignant symbol of loss.

The tragedy stunned the football community. Liverpool postponed training, and tributes poured in from Jürgen Klopp, who wrote on Instagram, “No words can capture this pain. Diogo was our warrior.” Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portugal teammate, shared, “It doesn’t make sense. Rest in peace, brothers.” Fans created a shrine at Anfield with Jota’s No. 20 jerseys, scarves, and flowers, while the funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, on July 5 drew stars like Virgil van Dijk and Bruno Fernandes. For Rute, now a widow raising three children, the loss was unimaginable. People reported her breaking down at the funeral, clutching a photo of their wedding, where Jota had beamed, captioning the day on Instagram as “A day we will never forget.”

The Discovery of the Notes

In the days following the crash, Rute, grappling with grief, entered Jota’s study in their £2.125 million Blundellsands home to sort through his belongings. There, tucked inside a leather-bound journal he used for eSports ideas (Jota co-founded Luna Galaxy, named after their Beagle), she found three envelopes, each hand-addressed to Denis, Duarte, and Mafalda. According to a Daily Mail source close to the family, the notes were written on June 20, two days before the wedding, during a quiet moment when Jota reflected on his new chapter with Rute and their children. The envelopes, sealed with wax, bore simple inscriptions: “To My Brave Denis,” “To My Joyful Duarte,” and, most poignantly, “To My Hero Daughter, Mafalda.”

Rute, overwhelmed, shared the discovery with her sister, who spoke to The Telegraph anonymously: “She found them by chance, and it broke her all over again. Diogo had written them as a promise to his kids, like he knew how precious time was.” The notes, later revealed in excerpts by People with Rute’s permission, were deeply personal, blending Jota’s playful humor with profound love. The decision to share parts of the notes came from Rute’s desire to honor Jota’s legacy, hoping their words would inspire others. The revelation sparked a global outpouring of emotion, with X posts trending under #JotaNotes, including one that read, “Diogo’s love for his kids is breaking my heart—he’s still with them through those words.”

The Notes: A Father’s Heart

While the full contents remain private, excerpts shared in People offer a glimpse into Jota’s soul. To Denis, he wrote, “My Brave Denis, you’re my little striker. Keep running, keep dreaming, and know I’m always cheering you on, even when you can’t see me.” For Duarte, he penned, “My Joyful Duarte, your laugh lights up the world. Never lose that spark—it’s your superpower.” The note to Mafalda, addressed to “My Hero Daughter,” was especially moving: “Mafalda, my hero daughter, you’re so small but already so strong. You’ll carry our family’s heart. I’m so proud to be your dad.” Each note ended with, “Love, Your Papá, forever,” written in Jota’s distinctive scrawl.

These words reflect Jota’s role as a devoted father. The Guardian noted that he often shared family moments on social media, from playing with Denis and Duarte at Melwood Park to cradling Mafalda during recovery from his 2024 knee injury. The “hero daughter” address for Mafalda, born in November 2024, resonated deeply, with Hello! Magazine speculating it referred to her strength during Jota’s health struggles, as she was born prematurely amid his lung surgery recovery. Rute told People, “Diogo called Mafalda his hero because she fought to be here, just like he did. That note is her now.”

The notes’ timing—written before the wedding—adds a layer of poignancy. The Telegraph suggested Jota, facing health challenges, may have sensed the fragility of life, prompting him to leave a legacy for his children. His lung surgery, described by Daily Mail as more serious than publicly disclosed, likely influenced this reflective act. The journal, filled with eSports plans and doodles of Beagles, showed Jota’s multifaceted life: a footballer, entrepreneur, and, above all, a father who poured his heart into words for his children.

Luna’s Grief and Family Dynamics

The discovery of the notes coincided with another emotional thread: the grief of Luna, the family’s Beagle, who has not left her puppy bed since the crash. NewsDuck reported that Luna, named after Jota’s eSports team, was particularly close to him, often seen napping beside him during recovery. Animal behaviorist Dr. Sarah Ellis, quoted in CNN, explained, “Luna’s grief mirrors the family’s. Dogs sense emotional voids, and her attachment to the bed suggests it holds Diogo’s presence.” This parallel grief amplified the notes’ impact, with fans on X posting, “Luna’s mourning and those notes show how much Diogo was the heart of that family.”

The notes also offer insight into the Jota household’s dynamics. Denis, described as adventurous, often mimicked Jota’s football moves, while Duarte’s infectious laughter was a family highlight. Mafalda, the youngest, was Jota’s “miracle,” born during a challenging time. Rute, now raising the children alone, has leaned on the notes for strength. People reported that she reads them to Denis and Duarte at bedtime, helping them process their father’s absence. For Mafalda, too young to understand, Rute keeps the note in a keepsake box, planning to share it when she’s older. “It’s like Diogo’s still talking to them,” Rute said, her voice breaking.

The Football Community’s Response

The football world’s response to Jota’s death was profound, but the notes added a new layer of connection. Liverpool fans, already mourning at Anfield with tributes of scarves and No. 20 jerseys, were moved by the notes’ revelation. A fan shrine included printed excerpts, with one note reading, “Diogo, your kids will always know your love.” Manager Arne Slot, speaking at a press conference, said, “Diogo was more than a player—he was a father who lived for his family.” Portugal’s national team held a minute’s silence, and Cristiano Ronaldo shared the People article on Instagram, writing, “Diogo’s heart lives on in his children.”

Clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal joined the tributes, with Bruno Fernandes laying flowers at Gondomar. The notes inspired fan-driven initiatives, including a fundraiser for children’s charities in Jota’s name, raising £50,000 by July 10, as reported by Free Press Journal. On X, #JotaNotes trended with 1.2 million posts, with users sharing their own letters to loved ones, inspired by Jota’s example. One post read, “Diogo’s notes make me want to write to my kids today—life’s too short.”

A Legacy of Love and Resilience

Jota’s financial legacy, estimated at £35 million by Daily Mail, ensures Rute and the children’s security, with assets including their Blundellsands home, luxury cars, and Luna Galaxy. Yet, the notes are his true inheritance, offering emotional guidance for Denis, Duarte, and Mafalda. The New York Times called them “a father’s final gift,” noting their universal resonance in a world grappling with loss. Rute’s decision to share excerpts has sparked a movement, with parents worldwide writing letters to their children, as seen in X campaigns like #WriteYourNote.

The notes also highlight Jota’s character. Known for his humility—seen in moments like gifting boots to young fans or visiting hospitals—Jota was a private man whose public persona radiated warmth. His eSports venture, named after Luna, reflected his playful side, while his devotion to Rute, whom he met at 16, showed unwavering loyalty. The wedding, celebrated with 200 guests including teammates, was a testament to their love, making the notes’ discovery even more bittersweet.

Emotional Impact and Healing

The notes have become a lifeline for the Jota family. Denis, old enough to understand loss, has begun drawing pictures of his father, inspired by the “Brave Denis” note. Duarte’s laughter, quieter now, is slowly returning as Rute reads his note aloud. Mafalda’s “hero daughter” letter, preserved for her future, symbolizes hope. Luna’s grief, meanwhile, is easing, with The Telegraph reporting that Denis sits by her bed, reading Jota’s note to him, forging a new bond. Animal behaviorists, like Dr. Marc Bekoff in CNN, suggest this interaction could aid both Luna and the children’s healing, as pets and humans grieve together.

The global response underscores the notes’ power. Schools in Portugal have incorporated letter-writing into curricula, inspired by Jota, while mental health charities report a 10% increase in inquiries about grief counseling, citing his story. Rute, supported by her family and Jota’s teammates, plans to establish a foundation in his name, focusing on children’s sports and literacy, ensuring his legacy endures.

A Father’s Enduring Voice

Diogo Jota’s notes to his children, discovered in the shadow of tragedy, are a testament to a father’s boundless love. Written in anticipation of a joyful future, they now serve as a beacon for his family and fans. The address to “My Hero Daughter” Mafalda has become a symbol of resilience, reflecting Jota’s belief in his children’s strength. As Rute navigates widowhood and motherhood, the notes offer solace, guiding her children through a world without their father. For the football community and beyond, Jota’s words transcend loss, inspiring acts of love and reflection. In his final act, Jota gave his children not just a legacy of wealth but a legacy of heart, forever etched in ink.