Liverpool soccer player Diogo Jota had only recently wed his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just days before his tragic death.
The devastating news of Jota's tragic passing comes just 11 days after him and his partner exchanged vows in front of their families, including their three children, at a joyous wedding ceremony. Rute had posted photos on Instagram from their special day only three days before the tragic event, captioning the post: "My dream came true."
Jota re-shared the post on his own Instagram page, marking his final post on the platform. Jota and Cardoso's romance spans over 13 years, having met in middle school and attended high school together.
After nine years of dating, they got engaged in 2022 and tied the knot three years later. They are parents to three children – two sons and a daughter.
Diogo Jota with his wife and three children.
Diogo Jota got married just days before the tragic accident that killed him and his brother, Andre Silva (Image: Instagram/Diogo Jota)
On Thursday morning, the heartbreaking news of Jota's death was confirmed after the footballer and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car accident in Spain.
Tributes have been pouring in for the forward, including a statement from Liverpool Football Club, which reads: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."
Local police released a statement about the accident, which states: "The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking.
"It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire, and the two occupants were killed."
Ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to Jota, writing on X: "Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids."
Gary Neville also expressed his condolences, adding: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family."
Jota's career kicked off at Porto before he moved on to play for Wolves and Liverpool in England, winning various major honours with the Reds across a five-year career at Anfield.
Diogo Jota with his wife and child.
The Liverpool star won countless honours with the club (Image: Instagram/Diogo Jota)
In reaction to the tragic news, FC Porto issued a statement that said: "FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace."
Stefan Bajcetic was among the first Liverpool players to express his sorrow on social media, as he said: "You will be remembered my friend."
The Premier League issued a touching statement, which read: "Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
"Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club."