Diogo Jota’s wife shared two emotional posts about her husband just hours before he was killed in a car crash in Spain with his brother.
Rute Cardoso, who married the Liverpool player two weeks ago in Porto, posted a video from their wedding day on Instagram along with the caption: “A day we will never forget.”
She also shared a picture of her wearing her wedding dress with a silver tiara which she captioned: “My dream came true.”
The couple shared three children together: two sons born in 2021 and 2023, and a daughter, who was born in 2024. They also had three dogs, which featured regularly in their family photos shared on social media.
Jota joined Liverpool FC in 2020 from Wolves, and saw the team win the Premier League last season, as well as the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in 2022. Following the news of Jota’s death, Liverpool said that it was “devastated”.
The club said in a statement: “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, team-mates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”
Spanish authorities confirmed that Jota and his brother were killed in a road accident at 12.30am on the A-52 motorway in Cernadilla, Zamora. The Guadia Civil said: "A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed.
"Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe."
A slew of sports stars have offered their condolences to Jota’s wife and family. Former Liverpool player and pundit Jamie Carragher said: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
Liverpool legend Ian Rush wrote on social media that he was “deeply saddened and shocked by the heartbreaking news”.
He said: “My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, children, and everyone in his family, as well as his friends and supporters.”
Jota's former club, Wolves, posted: "Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre."