The football world remains in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash on July 3, 2025. A heart-wrenching story has emerged from their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, where Jota’s three beloved beagles—Luna, Milo, and Bella—have refused food and stood watch at his grave, becoming a poignant symbol of loyalty. Yet, a shocking twist involving secret payments discovered by Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, has deepened the tragedy, leaving fans worldwide stunned, as reported by nytexpress.com on July 16, 2025.

The beagles’ grief was captured in viral photos showing them lying beside Jota’s flower-covered headstone during a private memorial, per nongnhat.com. Witnesses described the dogs ignoring food and water, with Luna reportedly whimpering and placing a paw on the grave. “They just knew,” a mourner told The Sun, noting their hour-long vigil. Jota’s deep bond with the dogs, often shared on Instagram, made the images even more poignant, with X users posting, “This broke me,” and “Their loyalty is unreal.” The story has drawn comparisons to historical tales of canine devotion, amplifying its emotional impact.

However, the narrative took a shocking turn when Cardoso uncovered bank statements revealing Jota’s €25,000 monthly payments to an unidentified woman abroad for a decade, per medianewsc.com. The discovery, labeled “D.J. Shadow Ops,” prompted Cardoso to alert police, who are now investigating potential fraud or a secret relationship, with Interpol tracing funds to a Swiss account. The revelation, tied to a woman named Sofia Almeida whose car trailed Jota’s on the crash night, has fueled speculation on X, with posts like, “Was Jota hiding something?” and “This changes everything.”

The beagles’ mourning, juxtaposed with the financial mystery, has left fans grappling with Jota’s legacy. Liverpool FC, which retired his No. 20 jersey, issued a statement supporting the family, per pmnewsnigeria.com. Cardoso, caring for their three children, is reportedly devastated, with a source saying, “This adds pain to her loss.” The dogs, under veterinary care, continue to wait by Jota’s doorstep, per newstvseries.com.

As investigations unfold, the beagles’ unwavering devotion and the emerging secrets paint a complex picture of Jota’s life, leaving the football world torn between grief and intrigue.