Liverpool star Diogo Jota married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, just two weeks before his fatal car crash in Spain, it has been revealed. The couple celebrated their wedding in Porto, surrounded by close family and friends, marking what was meant to be the start of a new chapter in their lives.
However, his sudden death at age 28 has cast a tragic shadow over the recent joyful occasion. Friends described the wedding as a heartfelt and intimate event, full of hope and happiness. Now, Rute faces unimaginable heartbreak just days after their celebration. The footballer’s teammates and fans have expressed their condolences.
The couple began their relationship in 2013 while still in their teens, having met during their school years in Portugal.
They have three children together: Dinis, born in February 2021; Duarte, born in March 2023; and a third child born in December 2024.
Jota’s promising future, both personally and professionally, was brutally cut short.
His brother, 26-year-old Andre Silva, a fellow professional footballer who played for Portuguese side Penafiel, also died in the accident.
Support has poured in for Rute and Jota’s family as they come to terms with the devastating loss after the accident in Palacios de Sanabria, in Spain.
The Portuguese national football team have said they are “devastated” by the tragedy, adding that Jota “was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents”.
Jota was born in 1996 in Portugal and rose through the ranks of Portuguese football before making his mark in the Premier League.
He began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atlético Madrid and later Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In 2020, he signed for Liverpool, where he quickly became known for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability.
Jota also represented Portugal at various international levels, earning a place in the senior national team.
He helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season and also played for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League last month.