In a poignant Instagram post earlier this week, Diogo Jota's wife shared images of their recent wedding, capturing the precious moment with the caption: "Yes to forever."
Tragically, Liverpool and Portugal star Jota, 28, along with his brother Andre Silva, who played for Portuguese second-tier side Penafiel, both perished following a car accident in Spain in the early hours of Thursday.
Just days before this heartbreaking incident, Rute Cardoso, Jota's long-term partner, had shared snapshots from their June 22 nuptials on social media. In an emotional tribute alongside one photo, she penned: "My dream came true."
Jota had responded affectionately: "I'm the lucky one."
The couple was blessed with three children. The sorrowful news of both Jota and Andre's passing was initially conveyed by the Portuguese Football Federation.
Reports emanating from Spain indicate that the fatal crash occurred in Cernadilla, Zamora, when a Lamborghini carrying the two brothers experienced a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre, ultimately leading to the vehicle igniting into flames.
Jota played for Liverpool and Portugal
Jota played for Liverpool and Portugal (Image: Getty Images)
A spokesperson for the Spanish Guardia Civil provided details to the BBC, stating: "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 blowout while overtaking.
"It was in the early hours, 00:30 local time (23:30 BST), in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire, and the two occupants were killed."
"The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning," a statement read.
"Diogo 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. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.
"On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation and myself, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and Andre as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the respective clubs of the players.
"We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day."
Tributes have poured in from across soccer since Jota's death was announced on Thursday. Liverpool said in a statement that club is "devastated by the tragic passing" and will provide the forward's family, friends, team-mates and club staff with support as they "come to terms with an unimaginable loss."
Porto, for whom the siblings both represented early in their careers, added: "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 AndreĢ Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace."