On July 28, 2025, a bombshell revelation rocked the football world when an anonymous woman, identified only as “Maria” in legal documents, claimed to have had a son with the late Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash alongside his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025. The woman’s claim, filed in a Porto probate court, asserts that her six-year-old son, Tomás, is Jota’s biological child and is entitled to a share of his estate, estimated at £20 million. This explosive allegation, first reported by Correio da Manhã, has sent shockwaves through the football community, prompting a heartfelt response from Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, and reigniting debates about legacy, privacy, and fidelity. This article delves into the details of Maria’s claim, Rute’s response, the legal and emotional ramifications, and the broader impact on Jota’s memory, drawing on interviews, court filings, and reactions from fans and teammates.

The Anonymous Claimant: Maria’s Story

Maria, a 29-year-old Portuguese woman whose identity remains protected under court order, filed her claim on July 25, 2025, three weeks after Jota’s death in a fiery crash on Spain’s A-52 highway. According to her legal team, led by Porto attorney Sofia Mendes, Maria met Jota in 2017 during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he played from 2017 to 2020. She alleges a brief romantic relationship in late 2018, during a period when Jota and Rute Cardoso, his childhood sweetheart, were temporarily separated while Rute completed her marketing degree at IPAM in Porto. Maria claims the relationship resulted in the birth of Tomás in April 2019, supported by a DNA test she says was conducted privately in 2020, allegedly confirming Jota’s paternity with 99.9% certainty.

In a statement released through Mendes, Maria said, “I never wanted to go public, but for my son’s future, I must ensure he is recognized as Diogo’s child. Diogo knew about Tomás and supported us quietly.” The claim includes WhatsApp messages purportedly from Jota, acknowledging Tomás and promising financial support, though these have not been independently verified. Maria seeks a share of Jota’s estate, including his Liverpool contract earnings, investments, and properties in Porto and Liverpool, arguing that Tomás deserves “his rightful place” as Jota’s heir alongside his three children with Rute: Dinis (born 2021), Duarte (2023), and a daughter born in November 2024.

The claim has sparked intense scrutiny, as Jota was known for his loyalty to Rute, with no prior public scandals. The Sun reported skepticism from sources close to Jota’s family, who called the claim “opportunistic” and questioned the timing, noting Maria’s silence until after Jota’s death. On X, fans expressed divided sentiments: some, like user @LFCForever, called it “a money grab that tarnishes Diogo’s legacy,” while others, like @FootballTruth, urged compassion, writing, “If true, the boy deserves his share. Let the courts decide.”

Rute Cardoso’s Emotional Response

Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow of just 11 days at the time of his death, addressed the claim in a poignant Instagram post on July 29, 2025, captioned, “Forever, your white girl 🤍.” Without directly naming Maria, Rute wrote, “Our love was built on trust, 13 years of shared dreams, and three beautiful children. I will protect Diogo’s memory and our family’s peace. The truth will come to light, and I ask for privacy as we grieve.” Her post, accompanied by a wedding photo from June 22, 2025, garnered over 2 million likes and thousands of supportive comments, including from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who wrote, “Stay strong, Rute. We’re with you.”

In a follow-up interview with Record on July 30, Rute, visibly emotional, emphasized her focus on her children. “Dinis, Duarte, and our little girl are Diogo’s heart,” she said. “I don’t know this woman or her son, but I trust Diogo’s love for us. I won’t let rumors destroy what we built.” Rute’s restraint has won admiration, with The Guardian praising her “dignity in the face of unthinkable grief.” However, sources close to Rute, cited by Daily Mail, suggest she is “devastated” by the claim, particularly as it surfaced during her mourning period. Rute has hired prominent Lisbon lawyer João Pereira to contest the claim, requesting a court-ordered DNA test to verify Maria’s allegations.

Legal Battle: Inheritance and Paternity

The legal fight centers on Portugal’s inheritance laws, which grant biological children equal rights to a deceased parent’s estate, regardless of marital status. Mendes, Maria’s attorney, argues that Tomás is entitled to a portion of Jota’s assets, potentially up to one-fourth of the estate, given Jota’s three other children. The estate includes Jota’s £150,000-a-week Liverpool contract, paid in full per the club’s commitment, a £5 million Porto villa, and endorsements with Adidas and EA Sports. Reuters estimates the total value at £20-25 million, though Liverpool’s education fund for Jota’s children complicates the division.

Pereira, Rute’s lawyer, has challenged the validity of Maria’s DNA test, citing its private nature and lack of court oversight. “We demand a transparent, court-supervised DNA test using samples from Diogo’s family,” he told A Bola. The court has ordered such a test, to be conducted using samples from Jota’s parents, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, as Jota’s remains were too damaged in the crash for direct testing. Results are expected by September 2025, with a hearing scheduled for October. The Times notes that Portuguese courts prioritize children’s rights, but fraudulent claims can lead to perjury charges, raising the stakes for Maria.

The case echoes high-profile paternity disputes, like that of Diego Maradona, whose estate faced multiple claims after his 2020 death. Legal experts, quoted by Sky News, suggest Maria’s evidence—messages and a private DNA test—may not suffice without corroboration, especially given Jota’s reputation for fidelity. Correio da Manhã reported that Jota’s family is “united against the claim,” with André’s widow, Sofia, calling it “a betrayal of Diogo’s memory.”

The Crash and Its Context

The backdrop to this drama is the tragic crash on July 3, 2025, that claimed Diogo and André’s lives. Driving a Lamborghini Huracan on the A-52 near Zamora, Spain, the brothers were en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, as Jota was advised against flying post-lung surgery. Spanish police, per El Mundo, attributed the crash to a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, causing the car to roll and ignite. The charred wreckage, shown in a viral video, underscored the tragedy’s brutality. Metro noted the A-52’s poor condition, with inadequate barriers and frequent accidents, fueling calls for infrastructure reform.

Jota’s death, just 11 days after his wedding to Rute, stunned the football world. His 65 goals in 182 Liverpool matches, two UEFA Nations League titles, and a Premier League crown in 2024-25 cemented his legacy. André, a midfielder at FC Penafiel, was a rising talent, making their joint loss a double blow to Portuguese football. The funeral on July 5 at Igreja Matriz in Gondomar drew global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who set aside rivalries to honor the brothers, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Maria’s Claim: Fact or Fiction?

Maria’s allegations hinge on her alleged 2018 relationship with Jota. She claims they met at a Wolverhampton nightclub during a team event, with Jota, then 21, “charming but private.” Their relationship, she says, lasted three months, ending when Rute returned to the UK in early 2019. Maria alleges Jota visited Tomás twice in Porto and sent monthly payments via a third party, though no bank records have been disclosed. Her legal filing includes a photo of a young boy resembling Jota, but The Sun notes that “visual similarity is not evidence.”

Skeptics, including Daily Mail columnist Piers Morgan, question Maria’s motives, pointing to Jota’s “spotless” personal record. ZNEWS highlights Jota’s devotion to Rute, noting their 13-year relationship and lack of prior scandals. On X, fans like @RedFaithful argue, “Jota was a family man. This feels like a cash grab.” However, Maria’s supporters, including women’s rights groups quoted by The Independent, argue that dismissing her claim risks silencing legitimate heirs. “If Tomás is Jota’s son, he deserves justice,” said advocate Ana Costa.

Rute’s Strength and Public Support

Rute Cardoso, a trained psychologist and mother of three, has emerged as a figure of resilience. Her Instagram posts, including a July 23 tribute marking one month since their wedding—“A month since we said ‘until death do us part’”—have galvanized support. PLO reported that Rute is focusing on her children, supported by Liverpool’s counseling services and donations from fans. The club’s decision to retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt and erect a mural near Anfield, inscribed with “Diogo Jota: Forever Our Own,” reflects his enduring impact.

Teammates have rallied around Rute. Van Dijk, in a Sky Sports interview, called her “the rock of their family,” while Ronaldo, despite initial criticism for missing the funeral, met privately with Rute, per The Guardian. Messi’s attendance at the funeral and his floral tribute, “From Leo, with love,” underscored the global solidarity. CBS Sports Golazo noted the “unprecedented” unity, with rival fans from Manchester United and Everton joining Liverpool supporters at Anfield’s vigil.

Cultural and Ethical Implications

Maria’s claim raises thorny questions about privacy, legacy, and posthumous reputations. The Telegraph argues that such cases “test the boundaries of public and private grief,” as Jota’s family navigates scrutiny amid mourning. The timing—weeks after Jota’s death—has fueled accusations of opportunism, yet The Independent cautions against rushing to judgment, citing cases where late paternity claims were validated, like Brazilian footballer Edinho’s recognition as Pelé’s son in 1996.

The case also highlights gender dynamics. Maria’s anonymity, granted to protect Tomás, contrasts with Rute’s public role as Jota’s widow, creating a narrative of “the other woman” versus the “devoted wife.” Feminist commentators on X, like @EqualPlay, argue that vilifying Maria risks perpetuating stereotypes, while others, like @LFCTruth, defend Rute’s right to protect her family’s legacy. The debate reflects broader societal tensions about fidelity, single motherhood, and inheritance rights.

Football’s Response and Legacy

The football community’s response to Jota’s death and the subsequent claim underscores his universal respect. Liverpool’s education fund for Dinis, Duarte, and their sister, announced on July 10, ensures their financial security. Porto and Atlético Madrid, Jota’s former clubs, held tributes, with Porto’s president André Villas-Boas calling him “a son of our city.” The Portuguese FA’s minute of silence at the Women’s Euros and Wimbledon’s black ribbons, a first in 148 years, reflect Jota’s global impact.

If Maria’s claim is proven, it could reshape Jota’s legacy, introducing a new heir to his story. BBC Sport speculates that a confirmed son could inherit Jota’s No. 20 shirt at Liverpool’s academy, a symbolic gesture fans support. However, a negative DNA test could tarnish Maria’s credibility and deepen the family’s pain, as A Bola warns.

Conclusion: A Legacy in Limbo

Maria’s claim that “I had a son with Diogo Jota” has thrust a grieving family into a legal and emotional maelstrom. As Rute Cardoso fights to preserve her husband’s memory, Maria’s pursuit of justice for Tomás highlights the complexities of love, loss, and legacy. The Porto court’s ruling, expected by late 2025, will determine whether Tomás joins Dinis, Duarte, and their sister as Jota’s heirs, or if the claim is dismissed as speculation.

For now, Jota’s memory endures through Anfield’s chants, Rute’s resilience, and the unity of a football world that mourned him alongside André. As Sky News noted, “Jota’s life was a testament to hard work and love.” Whether Maria’s story alters that narrative remains uncertain, but the saga underscores football’s power to unite and divide, even in tragedy. As fans await the truth, Rute’s words—“Forever, your white girl”—echo as a promise to keep Jota’s light burning, no matter the outcome.