Lisbon, Portugal — In a bombshell twist to the ongoing feud between the late football star Diogo Jota’s family and his widow, Rute Cardoso, sources close to the investigation have leaked what they claim to be a full audio recording of a clandestine midnight meeting between Cardoso and a still-unidentified man.
The recording, reportedly captured just weeks after Jota’s death, has ignited a firestorm of speculation across Portugal and the UK, after snippets appeared to reveal references to a long-term extramarital relationship — and even the existence of a secret child.
The Recording: What It Allegedly Contains
According to journalists who claim to have heard the audio, Cardoso can be heard meeting the man at a private residence. The tone of the conversation is described as “intimate, tense, and emotional.”
At one point, the man allegedly asks Cardoso whether she plans to “acknowledge the boy” in front of Jota’s parents. Cardoso’s response, muffled but reportedly clear enough, is said to confirm that a child exists outside of her marriage.
Investigators are now working to verify the authenticity of the tape and to identify the man’s voice.
Jota’s Family Reacts
The late Liverpool forward’s parents, already embroiled in a bitter inheritance battle, expressed “utter shock and betrayal” after the leak was reported.
“If true, this would change everything we thought we knew about our son’s marriage and the children we call our grandchildren,” a family representative said.
Legal experts warn that the revelations could potentially alter custody arrangements and even inheritance rights tied to Jota’s estate.
The Mystery Man
While the man’s identity has not been confirmed, Portuguese tabloids are already speculating he could be a figure from Cardoso’s professional or social circle. Police have not ruled out opening a formal inquiry, particularly if the alleged child is proven to exist.
Fallout and Public Reaction
The leak has sent shockwaves through football circles, with fans flooding online forums and social media demanding clarity. Some have defended Cardoso, urging the public not to jump to conclusions until the recording is authenticated, while others accuse her of deceiving both Jota and his family.
⚡ What Happens Next
If the audio is verified, experts predict a legal showdown of unprecedented scale between Jota’s parents and widow — one that could expose not only hidden affairs but also hidden fortunes.
For now, police have confirmed they are in possession of the audio file but have declined further comment.