Lawyer Rules on Diogo Jota’s Vast Net Worth Left to Wife and Three Children

In the wake of the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025, legal experts have begun to unravel the complexities of the footballer’s substantial estate, estimated to be worth up to £35 million, which is set to be inherited by his widow, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children, Dinis, Duarte, and Mafalda. The 28-year-old Portuguese forward, who had just married his childhood sweetheart 11 days prior to the crash, left behind not only a legacy of brilliance on the pitch but also a financial empire built through lucrative contracts, endorsements, and savvy investments. As the football world mourns, lawyers have stepped in to clarify the distribution of Jota’s wealth, ensuring financial security for his grieving family while navigating the intricacies of UK and Portuguese inheritance laws.

Jota’s rise from a modest upbringing in Porto to a Premier League icon was marked by his exceptional talent and business acumen. According to reports, his net worth at the time of his death ranged between $18 million and $35 million, amassed through a series of high-value contracts with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool, as well as endorsements with brands like Nike and EA Sports. His initial contract with Wolves in 2018 earned him £38,000 per week, totaling £3.95 million over two years. His move to Liverpool in 2020 saw his weekly earnings rise to £83,000, and a 2022 contract extension boosted his salary to £140,000 per week, resulting in £21.84 million earned before his untimely death. Additionally, performance bonuses from his 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool and endorsement deals worth an estimated £3.3 million annually contributed significantly to his wealth. Jota also established Minute J Ltd, an image rights company, which generated £186,754 in its first year, though it owed £44,825 in corporation tax.

The legal process of distributing Jota’s estate is now underway, with lawyers emphasizing that Rute Cardoso, as his spouse, is the primary beneficiary. UK inheritance laws allow for tax exemptions when assets are transferred to a surviving spouse, meaning Cardoso could inherit the bulk of the estate—potentially including a £2.125 million Liverpool townhouse and a £3 million Lisbon villa—without incurring the 40% tax applied to estates exceeding £325,000. Portuguese media reports suggest Liverpool may pay out the remaining two years of Jota’s contract, valued at £14.5 million, further bolstering the family’s financial security. However, the exact disbursement awaits confirmation, as the club has not publicly verified these claims. The estate also includes luxury assets like a Porsche 911 Turbo S, a Ferrari 488 Italia, and a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, though the Lamborghini Huracán involved in the crash was destroyed.

Lawyers have noted that Jota’s estate planning reflects his forward-thinking nature. His image rights company and investments in esports, including his Luna Galaxy team, demonstrate a diversified portfolio uncommon for athletes of his age. “Diogo Jota left behind a financial legacy few soccer players achieve so young,” noted The Richest, highlighting his “business smart” that matched his on-field vision. The legal team is working to ensure that Cardoso and their children—Dinis (4), Duarte (2), and eight-month-old Mafalda—receive the full benefits of these assets. The process involves cataloging Jota’s properties, investments, and outstanding contracts while addressing potential creditors, such as HMRC, to settle any debts. Given the cross-jurisdictional nature of his assets, with properties in the UK and Portugal, lawyers are coordinating with authorities in both countries to streamline the transfer.

The emotional weight of Jota’s death, compounded by its proximity to his wedding, has added complexity to the legal proceedings. Rute Cardoso, who identified the bodies after the crash and carried Jota’s coffin at the funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, is receiving psychological support as she navigates this loss. The funeral, attended by Liverpool stars like Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, underscored the community’s solidarity, but it also highlighted the personal toll on Cardoso, now tasked with raising three children alone. Lawyers have prioritized her well-being, ensuring that the estate’s distribution provides immediate financial stability. “The focus is on securing the future for Rute and the children,” a legal source told Express.co.uk. “Diogo’s foresight in his financial planning means they won’t face immediate hardship, but the process requires careful handling to honor his intentions.”

Public sentiment, as seen in posts on X, reflects both admiration for Jota’s legacy and sensitivity to the family’s grief, with some fans criticizing media for focusing on the estate’s value. “I’m sure she’d throw all the money in the sea for her husband,” one user wrote, capturing the sentiment that no amount can replace Jota’s presence. Nonetheless, the legal ruling ensures that Cardoso and her children will inherit a fortune that reflects Jota’s remarkable career, from his early days at Paços de Ferreira to his Premier League triumph in 2024-25. As the legal process unfolds, Jota’s legacy—both financial and emotional—continues to resonate, a testament to a life cut short but profoundly impactful.