Gondomar, Portugal — At a press conference held just days after the funeral of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, his grieving widow Rute Cardoso broke down in tears as she revealed a solemn promise: the entire fortune left behind by her late husband would be dedicated to fulfilling one single, heart‑wrenching mission — ensuring the future of their three young children.
🏡 A $20 Million Legacy for the Family
According to multiple reliable sources, including Marca, Economic Times and Financial Express, Diogo Jota passed away with an estimated personal fortune ranging from $18 million to $20 million (approximately 520 billion VND) facebook.com+15m.economictimes.com+15m.economictimes.com+15. This sum was accumulated through a combination of:
His substantial salary at Liverpool (a base of ₹£7 million / ~$9 million per year, with up to $2 million in annual bonuses) .
Endorsement deals (including deals reportedly worth around $1.5 million annually, with brands like Nike and EA Sports).
Real estate investments — including homes in Lisbon and Liverpool — and a visible passion for high-end vehicles m.economictimes.comindiatimes.com+1indiatimes.com+1.
His ventures in esports, which reportedly brought in about $3 million m.economictimes.com.
🎙️ A Widow’s Vow: “I’ll Spend Every Penny for Their Future”
In a heartfelt address, Rute spoke through her tears: “Diogo always dreamed of giving our children the best life — education, stability, love. I will honour that dream. Every cent will go to them.” This announcement was met by silence and a few muffled sobs from those gathered.
“It’s what he would’ve wanted,” she continued, her voice breaking. “He said to me, ‘Whatever happens — it’s for our boys and girl.’ So that’s what I promise him now.”
🍼 Three Children, One Mother’s Mission
The couple had recently married on June 22, 2025, after more than a decade together since teenage years in Porto telegrafi.com+10m.economictimes.com+10ibtimes.co.uk+10. They shared three young children: sons Dinis (4) and Duarte (2), and a daughter born in November 2024 ibtimes.co.uk+2telegrafi.com+2news.yahoo.com+2.
Rute revealed, voice trembling, “Our little ones deserve everything he believed they could be. Education, a home filled with their father’s spirit, and every opportunity. I owe them that.”
⚽ Support from Liverpool — Financial and Emotional
The club also pledged their support: Liverpool FC will honour Jota’s full contract, continuing salary payments to the family for the remaining two years news.yahoo.comibtimes.co.uk+15reddit.com+15tribune.com.pk+15. This means the family’s security is backed by both private funds and institutional solidarity. Rute said, “The club has been magnificent. But this inheritance — it’s from him.”
🙏 A Legacy of Love, Not Just Wealth
Friends recall how Jota often put family before career, leaving early training sessions to attend children’s events or night matches to tuck them into bed. Rute captured that essence: “He even told me once — ‘If I leave tomorrow, make sure they remember I loved them not for my goals, but for being their dad.’”
Now, with the financial cushion Jota created, Rute is setting up:
Education funds — ensuring college or university is guaranteed.
Trusts for each child, released at key ages (18 and 25).
Healthcare and wellbeing provision, including private counseling and activities.
A charitable foundation in Diogo’s name supporting youth sports and esports — passions he held dearly.
🌟 Mourning and Moving Forward
As Rute concluded, “This isn’t about money. It’s about memories. It’s about preserving his spirit through our children. He left us more than wealth — he left a purpose. And I’ll spend every penny to fight for that.”
The gathered journalists and guests were moved to tears. The raw determination of a widow, channeling grief into unwavering love — using every dollar left behind to keep her promise: a life for their children shaped by their father’s dreams.
