Diogo Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, has shared an emotional tribute to her late husband, breaking her silence a month after his untimely passing. The heartfelt message came as the couple would have celebrated their one-month wedding anniversary.
Rute, 28, posted three touching photos from their wedding day, which took place just 11 days before Jota’s tragic death. The images showed the couple walking hand-in-hand, proudly displaying their wedding rings, and sharing their first dance. Alongside the photos, she wrote, “One month of our ‘until death do us part.’ Forever, your white girl,” a message that moved fans and friends alike.
The football world is still mourning the loss of the 28-year-old Liverpool star, who died in a devastating car accident in early July. Jota was driving a Lamborghini in Zamora, Spain, when a tire burst, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and catch fire. His brother, André Silva, also lost his life in the accident. Reports indicate that Jota was behind the wheel at the time.
The tragedy struck just hours after the couple had shared a joyful social media post about their wedding, describing it as “a day we will never forget.” Rute commented, “My dream came true,” to which Jota lovingly replied, “But I’m the lucky one.”
Rute and Jota’s love story spanned 13 years, beginning in high school. Together, they had built a family with two sons, Dinis (4) and Duarte (2), and a baby daughter. Jota had spent his final moments with them, having lunch at a Portuguese coastal resort before the fateful accident.
Rute was more than a partner; she was his “number one fan,” supporting him throughout his journey in Portugal, Spain, and England. Tributes for Jota poured in from around the globe, with fans, teammates, and clubs expressing their grief. Liverpool honored his memory by retiring his iconic number 20 shirt across all club teams.
The club postponed its pre-season return to pay respects and later dedicated an emotional friendly match to Jota. Before kickoff, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echoed through the stadium, followed by a minute’s silence. Fans laid flowers and jerseys outside Anfield, while players wore black armbands and chanted Jota’s name, ensuring his legacy lives on.
