In a stunning revelation that has rocked the football world, an unidentified woman has come forward claiming she had a son with the late Liverpool star Diogo Jota, igniting a fierce battle over his £35 million estate. The bombshell, reported by The Sun on August 3, 2025, comes just weeks after Jota’s tragic death in a car accident on July 3, 2025, alongside his brother André Silva. The woman, identified only as “Anna” for legal reasons, alleges a secret relationship with Jota and is now seeking inheritance rights for her 5-year-old son, whom she claims is Jota’s. The news has sparked outrage among fans and raised questions about the legacy of the beloved footballer, who left behind wife Rute Cardoso and their three children.
Anna, a 32-year-old from Porto, Portugal, told The Sun she met Jota in 2018 during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers. She claims their affair lasted two years, resulting in the birth of her son, whom she named Lucas. “Diogo was part of our lives, but he kept it quiet to protect his career,” Anna stated, presenting alleged text messages and photos as evidence. She asserts Lucas deserves a share of Jota’s fortune, including assets like his company Minute J Ltd and a luxury car collection. Legal experts note that if DNA evidence confirms paternity, Portuguese law could grant Lucas inheritance rights, potentially disrupting the estate left to Jota’s widow and children, Dinis, Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024.
The claim has ignited a firestorm on social media, with #JotaScandal trending and over 1 million X posts. Fans are divided: @LFCForever tweeted, “This is a disgrace to Jota’s memory—Rute and the kids deserve peace!” while @TruthSeekerX argued, “If it’s true, the boy has rights—don’t hate on Anna.” Rute Cardoso, who has been grieving publicly since Jota’s death, has not commented, but sources close to her told Daily Mail she’s “devastated and skeptical.” Liverpool FC issued a statement urging respect for the family’s privacy.
Anna’s legal team is reportedly preparing for a DNA test, though complications arise as Jota’s body is unavailable post-accident. Legal battles could hinge on secondary evidence, like family DNA or documented correspondence. Critics question Anna’s timing, noting her silence until after Jota’s passing, while supporters argue she feared public backlash. The case echoes high-profile paternity disputes, with comparisons to Diego Maradona’s estate battles.
As the controversy unfolds, Jota’s legacy—marked by 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool and a £35 million fortune—hangs in the balance. Will Anna’s claim hold up, or is it a calculated move amid grief? The football world watches, torn between loyalty to Jota’s family and the possibility of a hidden heir.
