UNBELIEVABLE: A priest in Porto claims Diogo Jota attended Mass the morning after the crash — and signed the church registry with his own handwriting.
👉 See the registry photo in the comments.
UNBELIEVABLE: Porto Priest Claims Diogo Jota Attended Mass After Fatal Crash — Signed Church Registry in His Own Handwriting
The football world is reeling from yet another shocking claim surrounding the tragic death of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota, who perished alongside his brother André Silva in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025. A priest in Porto, Portugal, has made an extraordinary assertion: Diogo Jota allegedly attended Mass at a local church the morning after the crash and signed the church registry in his own handwriting. The claim, accompanied by a purported photo of the registry circulating online, has sparked intense debate and speculation. This article explores the details of this unbelievable story, the context of the claim, and its implications amid the ongoing grief over Jota’s loss.
The Tragic Crash Recap
Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 26, died in a devastating single-vehicle accident on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain, in the early hours of July 3, 2025. The brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini Huracan when a reported tyre blowout caused the car to veer off the road and burst into flames. The fire was so intense that it reduced the vehicle to a charred wreck, complicating the identification of the remains. Forensic analysis at the Zamora Institute of Forensic Medicine later confirmed the brothers’ identities through DNA testing, with documents and the car’s license plate providing initial clues.
The crash occurred as Jota and Silva were en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, as Jota had been advised against flying due to recent lung surgery. The tragedy, coming just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, left behind a grieving family, including three young children, and sent shockwaves through the football community. Tributes from figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jürgen Klopp, and Liverpool fans worldwide underscored Jota’s profound impact both on and off the pitch.
The Priest’s Astonishing Claim
On July 10, 2025, Father Manuel Costa, a priest at the São João Bosco Church in Porto, made a staggering claim during a local radio interview. He stated that Diogo Jota attended the 8:00 AM Mass at his church on July 4, 2025—the day after the fatal crash. According to Father Costa, Jota appeared somber but composed, sitting in the back pew and participating in the service. Most strikingly, the priest claimed that Jota signed the church’s visitor registry, a customary practice for notable attendees, in his own handwriting.
Father Costa described the alleged encounter: “He was quiet, almost like he was seeking peace. After the Mass, he approached the registry, signed his name, and left without speaking much.” The priest added that he only realized the significance of the event after hearing news of Jota’s death later that day. A photograph purportedly showing the registry entry, with Jota’s signature dated July 4, 2025, surfaced in the comments section of a local news article on X, fueling widespread intrigue.
The Registry Photo and Public Reaction
The alleged registry photo, which has not been independently verified, shows a handwritten entry with the name “Diogo Jota” alongside the date “4/7/2025.” The signature bears a resemblance to Jota’s known autograph, as seen in signed memorabilia from his Liverpool FC career. However, skeptics have pointed out that signatures can be forged, and the lack of official authentication has led to polarized reactions.
On X, the claim has ignited a firestorm of debate. Some users expressed belief in the priest’s story, with one post reading, “Miracles happen. Maybe Diogo’s spirit was there, seeking solace.” Others dismissed it as a hoax or misunderstanding, with a user commenting, “This is absurd. The crash was confirmed, DNA tests done. Someone’s playing a cruel trick.” The photo’s authenticity remains under scrutiny, as forensic document experts have yet to analyze the handwriting for conclusive verification.
Possible Explanations
Several theories have emerged to explain Father Costa’s claim. The most straightforward is that the priest may have been mistaken or misled. The emotional weight of Jota’s death, combined with the possibility of an impostor or a similar-looking individual attending the Mass, could account for the error. The signature, if genuine, might predate the crash, as church registries are sometimes signed in advance for special occasions.
Another possibility is that the claim is a deliberate fabrication, perhaps for attention or to stir religious sentiment. São João Bosco Church is known for its community outreach, and Father Costa’s reputation as a respected local figure makes this less likely, but it cannot be ruled out. Alternatively, some have speculated about a clerical error in the registry’s date, though this seems improbable given the priest’s detailed account of the encounter.
The most speculative theory, embraced by some online communities, is that the event could be paranormal in nature. Stories of apparitions or posthumous appearances are not uncommon in religious contexts, and Porto’s deeply Catholic culture may lend credence to such interpretations among believers. However, no official statement from the Catholic Church or the Diocese of Porto has endorsed this view.
The Broader Context: Grief and Conspiracy
The priest’s claim comes on the heels of another unsettling revelation: pathologists found that Jota’s cremated ashes weighed 2.5 kilograms more than expected, with small metallic fragments detected within them. This finding, reported by the Zamora Institute of Forensic Medicine, has already fueled conspiracy theories about the crash’s circumstances. Combined with Father Costa’s story, these developments have created a perfect storm of speculation, with some questioning whether the crash was as straightforward as reported.
The Guardia Civil’s investigation into the accident continues, with a final report expected soon. Authorities have reiterated that the crash resulted from a tyre blowout, with no evidence of foul play or external involvement. The forensic analysis of the ashes and the ongoing examination of crash site debris aim to clarify the metallic fragments’ origin, but these findings have yet to be conclusively explained.
Implications for Jota’s Legacy
The claim about Jota’s post-crash Mass attendance risks overshadowing his remarkable legacy. A key figure in Liverpool’s 2025 Premier League triumph, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club and contributed to Portugal’s Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025. His infectious energy and dedication endeared him to fans, teammates, and coaches alike. André Silva, a rising star at FC Penafiel, was equally cherished for his talent and warmth.
Liverpool FC and the Jota family have not commented on Father Costa’s claim, likely prioritizing their grief over engaging with speculation. The club has postponed its pre-season training and continues to receive tributes at Anfield’s Paisley Gates, where fans have left scarves, flowers, and messages of condolence. Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow, faces the daunting task of raising their three children—Dinis, Duarte, and Mafalda—while navigating these unsettling developments.
Conclusion
The claim that Diogo Jota attended Mass in Porto the morning after his fatal crash is as unbelievable as it is divisive. Father Manuel Costa’s account, supported by a purported registry photo, has captivated the public imagination, but it also raises questions about credibility and motive. As forensic experts and investigators work to unravel the mysteries surrounding Jota’s ashes and the crash itself, the football world remains focused on honoring a beloved player and his brother. Whether the priest’s story is a case of mistaken identity, a genuine anomaly, or something else entirely, it underscores the profound impact of Jota’s life and the enduring quest for answers in the face of tragedy.
