Diogo Jota’s Father Says He Found an Envelope in His Son’s Bedroom After the Funeral — What’s Inside Changes Everything

In the quiet aftermath of the July 5, 2025, funeral for Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in Gondomar, Portugal, their father, Joaquim Silva, made a discovery that has left the family and football community in awe. On July 6, while sorting through Diogo’s childhood bedroom in the family’s Gondomar home, Joaquim found a sealed envelope tucked inside a worn copy of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Diogo’s favorite book. The contents of the envelope, revealed in a tearful interview with Record on July 7, have been described as life-changing, offering a glimpse into Diogo’s heart and a legacy that could reshape his family’s future.

A Heartbreaking Discovery

The funeral at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar was a somber affair, attended by Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and manager Arne Slot, alongside Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Neves, who served as a pallbearer. The brothers, killed in a car crash on July 3 on Spain’s A-52 highway, were laid to rest amid tributes of floral jerseys and Schubert’s Ave Maria, played at Diogo’s wedding to Rute Cardoso just 11 days earlier. Joaquim, who had broken down at the wake, clutching a football-shaped keychain from Diogo’s childhood and whispering, “That wasn’t my son,” was still grappling with his grief when he entered Diogo’s room, a space unchanged since his teenage years.

The envelope, labeled “For Pai, Mãe, Rute, and the Kids,” contained a handwritten letter and a small USB drive. Joaquim, supported by his wife Isabel, read the letter aloud to the family, his voice breaking, as reported by Record. The letter, dated June 20, 2025, just before Diogo’s wedding, began: “My family, if you’re reading this, I’m not with you, but my love is. I’ve always believed in dreams, like Santiago in The Alchemist. My dream was to make you proud, but my biggest dream is for you to keep going.” The letter outlined Diogo’s wishes for his family, including a plan to establish a youth football academy in Gondomar to nurture local talent, inspired by his own humble beginnings.

The Contents That Changed Everything

The USB drive contained a video message, recorded by Diogo during a quiet moment in Porto before his surgery. In it, he spoke directly to his parents, Rute, and their children—Dinis, Mafalda, and Duarte. “Pai, you sold your car for my trials. Mãe, you worked nights to buy my boots. Rute, you believed in me when I doubted myself. This academy is for Gondomar, for kids like me and André, to give them a chance,” Diogo said, his voice steady but emotional. He detailed a financial plan, using his earnings—estimated at £35 million by Daily Mail—to fund the “Jota-Silva Academy,” complete with scholarships for underprivileged players.

The letter also included personal messages: to Rute, urging her to “find joy again, for our kids”; to his parents, asking them to “carry my love, not my loss”; and to his children, promising, “I’ll be watching every goal you score, even if it’s just in the backyard.” A final note instructed Joaquim to contact his agent, Jorge Mendes, who confirmed to Record that Diogo had finalized the academy’s legal framework before his death. The plan included a partnership with SC Gondomar, where Diogo and André played as boys, and a trust to ensure financial security for Rute and the children.

A Father’s Emotional Revelation

Joaquim shared the discovery with Record, saying, “I heard Diogo’s voice in the house the night he died, and now I see his heart in this letter. It’s like he knew he had to leave us something.” This echoes Joaquim’s earlier claim of hearing Diogo say, “Pai, estou aqui,” at 12:30 a.m. on July 3, the crash’s timestamp. Dr. Sofia Mendes, a Porto-based grief counselor, explains, “Such discoveries can feel like a continuation of the loved one’s presence, offering purpose amidst pain.” She notes that in Portuguese culture, where family and legacy are paramount, Diogo’s plan resonates deeply, providing a “living memorial.”

The envelope’s contents have shifted the family’s focus from loss to legacy. Isabel, who whispered to Diogo’s coffin, “You left me your strength,” told A Bola that the academy “is Diogo’s way of staying with us.” Rute, who wore Diogo’s training jacket with a hidden note—“You’re my strength”—at the funeral, has reportedly begun discussions with Mendes to launch the academy by 2026. The football community, including Porto president André Villas-Boas, has pledged support, with plans to name the academy’s main pitch after the brothers.

A Community’s Response

The discovery has galvanized Gondomar and Liverpool fans. On X, one fan wrote, “Diogo’s envelope shows he was a hero off the pitch too. The Jota-Silva Academy will keep his spirit alive.” Another posted, “Joaquim finding that letter is Diogo’s final goal for Gondomar. YNWA.” Tributes at Anfield, including scarves and a card reading “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” reflect Diogo’s impact, with fans pushing to retire his No. 20 jersey. Liverpool’s Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports, said, “Diogo’s vision for kids in Gondomar is as inspiring as his goals. We’ll honor it.”

The crash, caused by a tire blowout on the A-52, remains under investigation, with earlier reports noting a mysterious metallic shard and unusual steering inputs.