Liverpool's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday night will be a poignant affair, following the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, just over a month ago. Anfield is also set to welcome Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three children for the club's first league fixture of the new season.
Jota and his brother tragically lost their lives in a car crash near Zamora in Spain on July 3, leaving the football community in a state of shock and mourning. Rute and Jota began their relationship in 2013, and had been married for only 11 days before his untimely death. Since the tragic accident, Rute has remained largely silent, choosing to mourn privately, with a few exceptions. Express Sport now delves into the tributes made by Cardoso, her family and from fans as she readies herself to return to Anfield.
Attending Anfield
While Liverpool fans will be thrilled to see the Premier League champions back on the pitch, the event will also be emotionally charged for those at Anfield and viewers at home.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed in his programme notes that Rute and her three children, Dinis, Duarte and the youngest child, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, will be present in the stands to watch Liverpool's opening match.
"I believe that Diogo's wife, his children and his family will be in attendance," Slot wrote. "And it is important that, as a club, we show that they will always have our love and support as they deal with this most tragic of situations. We are there for them always."
A moment of silence will also be observed at all Premier League fixtures this weekend, with players donning black armbands. Tributes and photographs will also be displayed on the big screens in stadiums for the late Liverpool striker.
Anfield floral tribute
Rute has visited Anfield since Jota and Andre Silva's death. On July 11, Rute and relatives of Jota and Andre Silva's family were joined by the Liverpool squad as they witnessed the thousands of floral tributes that had been placed in remembrance of the brothers.
Photographs from the visit were shared on the Liverpool FC official Instagram account. The post was captioned: "Our squad and staff paid their respects to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield today, alongside members of the brothers' family."
Helping pallbearers at the funeral
Jota and Andre Silva's joint funeral was conducted on July 5 in Gondomar in Portugal. It was attended by family, friends and team-mates, past and present. The coffins were carried into Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church.
Battling to comprehend the overwhelming grief, but still determined to assist, Rute was visibly in a profoundly emotional state whilst helping the pallbearers with the brothers' coffins. This occurred after she journeyed with Jota's body back to Gondomar, prior to the funeral.
Jota and Rute first met in Gondomar during their teenage years, and she wanted to bring her husband back to where their love story originally started.
Anniversary tribute
Rute has not yet spoken extensively in public about her husband and brother-in-law's tragic death. However, she did share a heartbreaking Instagram post featuring their June 22 wedding to Jota.
The images featured an intimate shot of the pair clasping hands with their wedding bands clearly visible. Two additional pictures captured the couple enjoying their inaugural dance as newlyweds. Translated from Portuguese to English, Rute wrote: "One month of our 'until death do us part'. Forever, Your bride."
Her latest social media post
The pair had frequently used Instagram to showcase their devotion and affection towards each other. Merely days prior to his passing, Jota posted a video from their wedding ceremony, accompanied by the words: "A day we will never forget."
Rute has also taken to the social media platform ahead of her return to Merseyside, posting a photo of Jota and one of their children at Lake Windermere to her story. She captioned: "My perfect kind of birthday", with two pink hearts.
It's unknown if Friday is Rute's birthday, but it demonstrates how she uses the platform to keep the memory of her husband very much alive.