Rute Cardoso Was by Diogo Jota’s Side Since Their Teen Years
In a tragic twist that has stunned the football world, Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died at age 28, just two weeks after marrying his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso.
The couple, who had been together since their teenage years, tied the knot in their hometown of Porto last month. Rute, 28, shared their joy on social media with the words: “My dream came true.” Days later, she would become a widow.
Jota and his younger brother André Silva, 26, were killed early Thursday morning when Jota’s Lamborghini crashed on the A-52 in Zamora, northern Spain. Reports say the vehicle’s tire blew while overtaking, sending the car off the road, where it burst into flames. Emergency crews confirmed both men died at the scene.
The couple leave behind three young children: sons Dinis (4), Duare (2), and a baby girl born just eight months ago. Rute, who had been Jota’s rock through his rise in football, documented their journey from high school sweethearts to parents on Instagram.
Photos from her page show a loving family — cuddles on the football pitch, holiday trips to Lapland, and their wedding just days ago. One post simply read: “Yes to forever.”
A Life Lived Together
Rute and Diogo met in school at age 16. By 19, she had moved to Spain with him to support his football career. She once said: “I’m his number one fan. I want to be there.” Over the years, she remained fiercely supportive — and even critical of Premier League officials when Jota faced controversial match rulings.
🕊 Remembering Diogo
Tributes have poured in. The Portuguese Football Federation mourned Jota as “more than an amazing player” with nearly 50 national appearances, calling him “an extraordinary person… with infectious joy.”
His death was confirmed by PFF president Pedro Proenca, who said:
“Portuguese football is completely devastated.”
Rute’s final public memory with Diogo — a photo of her in her wedding dress smiling beside him — is now a painful reminder of a future that ended far too soon.
