Diogo Jota was tragically killed just days after marrying his wife Rute Cardoso in a lavish wedding ceremony. The couple had been together since Jota was playing youth football in his native Portugal. Over the following years, his career began to skyrocket and his devoted partner was beside him every step of the way.
Cardoso was among the chief mourners at Jota's funeral, along with their children and many of his former team-mates. Earlier this week, she travelled to Liverpool to view the floral tributes left outside Anfield by thousands of supporters. The Reds have pledged to support Cardoso and her family as they come to terms with Jota's untimely passing.
They were believed to be childhood sweethearts, having attended the same school before entering a relationship. Their connection dates back to at least 2013, when Cardoso would share pictures of herself and Jota on social media.
She has chosen to lead a relatively private life and is yet to speak publicly following the news of Jota's death. Her profile on Instagram is full of heartwarming posts involving her late husband and their three children.
Two years ago, Cardoso took to social media to express her fury with Premier League officials after Jota was sent off while playing for Liverpool against Tottenham.
In one post, she shared a video of Jota's foul on Destiny Udogie with a clown emoji, seemingly directed at referee Simon Hooper. She also posted the initial statement released by the PGMOL, expressing her skepticism towards their version of events.
Little is known about what Cardoso does for work but she is described by those close to the family as the heart of it all, according to IB Times. She reportedly manages the home and has created a private world for their children away from the glare of public life.
Cardoso is a huge football fan and was regularly spotted watching Jota play in stadiums around the world. She was also present for Liverpool's title celebrations on the final day of the Premier League season.
The couple had three children, the oldest of which is named Dinis. He was born in 2021 before two daughters followed in 2023 and 2024. While the elder daughter is called Duarte, the name of the youngest child is unknown.
After getting married last month, Cardoso took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with her 1.6million followers. She posted a number of pictures from the ceremony alongside the caption: "My dream came true."
From humble beginnings in Portugal to a life of luxury in Liverpool, the couple did it all with grace and a refreshing level of authenticity.