The football world is still reeling from the tragic July 3 car accident that claimed the lives of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva. But amid the grief, a deeply emotional story has emerged—one that has touched hearts far beyond the pitch.
In their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, Jota’s three beloved beagles—Luna, Milo, and Bella—have become quiet symbols of sorrow and loyalty. Since the accident, the dogs have reportedly refused to eat, lying in the corners of the family home, sniffing Jota’s old boots and waiting for the man who would never return.
On July 6, just one day after Jota and André were laid to rest in a private funeral at Igreja Matriz, his wife Rute Cardoso brought the dogs to visit the grave. What happened next was captured in a now-viral video: the beagles lay down beside their owner’s grave, softly howling, unmoving for over an hour. The clip, shared on X with the caption “Jota’s dogs crying at his grave—this broke me,” has been viewed over 2 million times, triggering a wave of mourning that swept across social media.
Jota, who married his longtime partner just 11 days before the crash, leaves behind three children and the dogs that were woven into every corner of his life. From Christmas family photos to playful garden videos, Luna, Milo, and Bella were more than pets—they were companions, always at his side, always part of the story.
Family members say the dogs’ grief was immediate. “They stopped eating. They just kept looking around for Diogo,” said one friend. A particularly painful moment came when Rute played a recording of Jota’s signature whistle—used often during playtime in the yard. The dogs perked up for a second, ears twitching, before slowly lying back down as if waiting for him to appear.
Fans have likened the dogs’ mourning to the legendary story of Hachiko, the loyal dog who waited every day at a train station for his deceased owner. “Animals know love in its purest form,” one user wrote. “Jota’s dogs show what kind of man he was. They feel his absence as deeply as we do.”
The emotional toll has been recognized by both fans and the football community. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has reportedly reached out to offer support, while local vet Dr. Maria Costa is now monitoring the beagles’ health, warning that prolonged refusal to eat could become dangerous. In response, supporters launched a #FeedJotasBeagles campaign online—raising funds for pet care and emotional support for the grieving family.
Jota’s legacy includes 65 goals in a Liverpool shirt, a UEFA Nations League title with Portugal, and unforgettable performances on the pitch. But for many, it’s the sight of those dogs lying faithfully by his grave that will linger the longest.
In a world shaken by his sudden death, Luna, Milo, and Bella have become more than pets. They are a living, breathing reminder of what Jota stood for—love, loyalty, and a bond that doesn’t break, even in the silence after goodbye.
