Porto, July 9, 2025 — In a move that’s touching hearts around the world, the widow of Diogo Jota has officially signed a legal commitment outlining a one-of-a-kind upbringing plan for their three young children — one that reflects both their late father's legacy and the family’s unwavering devotion to his values.
The document, signed earlier today at a private notary’s office in Porto, details a “multi-generational guardianship and legacy-based educational agreement,” believed to be the first of its kind for the family of a public sports figure in Portugal.
Sources close to the family reveal that Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, spent the past several days in discussion with both legal advisors and Diogo’s parents to build a framework that honors “everything Diogo stood for — as a father, a man, and a player.”
The commitment includes the following key components:
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Joint Guardianship Between Two Families: The children — aged 7, 4, and 1 — will be co-raised between Rute’s family and Jota’s parents, alternating between two homes to ensure the children grow up surrounded by both sides of their heritage.
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Football-Free Childhood (Until Age 12): In a surprising decision, the children will not be enrolled in football academies or receive formal training until at least the age of 12. “Diogo always said he didn’t want his kids pushed into the game unless they chose it themselves,” a family source shared.
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Annual Legacy Pilgrimage: Once a year, on the anniversary of his passing, the children will visit a different stadium where Jota played, including Wolverhampton, Anfield, and Estádio do Dragão — each visit paired with stories told by former teammates and coaches.
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Private Emotional Support Circle: A licensed therapist, along with two retired footballers who were close to Jota, will serve as long-term mentors for the children as they grow, helping them navigate both grief and public attention.
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Charity-Involved Upbringing: Starting at age 6, the children will take part in the family’s new “Jota Foundation for Youth & Mental Health,” helping organize football-themed charity events in underprivileged areas — a cause Diogo cared deeply about but never publicized.
The agreement was signed in front of close relatives and notarized by family attorney Dr. Miguel Santos, who described the moment as “deeply emotional, but full of purpose.”
“This isn’t just about raising children,” he said. “It’s about raising them the way Diogo would have — with heart, humility, and perspective.”
The announcement has sparked overwhelming public response, with fans worldwide applauding Rute’s strength and the family’s remarkable grace.
One viral comment read:
“The way they’re turning grief into legacy… Diogo would be proud beyond words.”
Despite her heartbreak, Rute has remained firm in one message: that her children will grow up knowing not just who their father was — but why he was loved.
And now, with the ink dry on today’s commitment, that promise begins.