Lisbon, Portugal — The family feud surrounding late football star Diogo Jota has escalated further, with his parents now accusing the player’s widow, Rute Cardoso, of preventing them from seeing one of their grandchildren amid the ongoing inheritance dispute.
The fresh allegations come just days after Jota’s last will and testament was revealed in court — a document that has left both his family and the public in shock.
Parents Claim Emotional Betrayal
Jota’s parents, Manuel and Teresa, told reporters that since the will’s contents became public, they have been denied the right to visit one of their grandsons.
“We have already lost our son. To now be cut off from our grandchild is unbearable,” Jota’s father said through tears. “We only want to maintain a bond with our family, not fight. But we cannot remain silent when our rights as grandparents are being ignored.”
Family lawyers suggest that the couple may consider pursuing legal custody rights if the situation does not improve.
The Will That Shocked Britain
Court documents revealed that Jota’s will had made unexpected allocations of his multimillion-euro estate. While portions were set aside for his wife and children, significant assets — including property holdings and personal savings — were reportedly directed toward a charitable trust linked to Liverpool FC supporters.
This revelation stunned both Jota’s parents and many in Britain, where the player had built a celebrated career. Fans expressed astonishment online, with some praising Jota’s generosity while others questioned why family members were not prioritized.
Widow Responds to Accusations
In response to the claims, Rute Cardoso issued a brief statement denying she had ever tried to separate Jota’s parents from their grandchildren.
“I am acting in the best interests of my children during a time of unimaginable grief. These accusations are unfair and damaging,” she said.
Her legal team emphasized that the inheritance proceedings are ongoing and that all decisions regarding the children are private family matters.
What Comes Next
The explosive dispute now threatens to move into a prolonged legal battle, combining custody rights with the already complex inheritance case. Portuguese courts may soon have to rule not only on Jota’s estate but also on grandparental visitation rights, a matter that could set precedent in high-profile family disputes.
Meanwhile, supporters remain deeply divided: some call for respect toward Jota’s widow, while others argue his parents deserve transparency and access to their grandchildren.