The wife of Diogo Jota's former team-mate found herself at the centre of confusion following the tragic deaths of the Liverpool star and his younger brother Andre Silva earlier this year. The brothers tragically died in a car accident in July, sending shockwaves through the sport.
Jota, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday today (Thursday 4th December), had recently rejoiced in winning the Premier League with Liverpool and securing the Nations League with Portugal. Away from the pitch, he had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days before his untimely death. The Liverpool hero's sibling Silva, aged 25, was also a professional footballer, playing for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel. However, after the brothers' funeral, the wife of Elche striker André Silva issued a statement to fans who had mistakenly contacted her, confusing her husband with his late namesake.
Maria Rodrigues, the wife of Elche forward Silva, posted on social media at the time: "I have been receiving many kind and concerned messages lately. There seems to have been some confusion regarding the recent devastating news.
"I want to clarify that this information is not about my husband, André Silva. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. We are thinking of them at this incredibly difficult time."
Jota and his brother Silva were laid to rest in their hometown of Gondomar, near the city of Porto, in July. Elche star Silva, aged 30, and Rodrigues attended the funeral and laid flowers at the chapel.
Silva first encountered Jota during their time at Porto and later as Portugal team-mates, including during Euro 2020. In a heartfelt statement following the deaths of Jota and his brother, Silva said: "I cannot believe it. We take every day for granted, but life can be brutally fragile.
"There are no words that will ever do. This doesn't make sense. Only pain and silence weigh.
"We shared moments on and off the field, laughter, sacrifices, victories, simple conversations that gain more weight today. You will always be with us, in everything we were and are. You'll always be part of us. Rest in peace, Jota and Andre."
The profound impact of the brothers' passing continues to be felt months after their passing. In November, Liverpool's Andy Robertson confessed that he had thought about his late friend Jota before helping Scotland secure World Cup qualification.
"I've hid it well, but today I've been in bits. I know the age I'm at, this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup," Robertson admitted post-match. "I couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much together about the World Cup.
"He missed out on Qatar [2022 World Cup] because of injury, and I missed out because Scotland weren't in it. I know he will be somewhere smiling over me tonight.
"I couldn't get him out of my head the whole day. I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier. I think I hid it well from the boys and I'm so glad it ended up this way."