Footballer Diogo Jota, who has died in a car crash at the age of 28, was a devoted family man who adored his supportive wife, Rute Cardoso. They got married just 11 days before the tragedy
Diogo Jota had been living his “dream” life both on and off the pitch before tragedy struck.
The Liverpool forward sadly died in a road traffic accident in Zamora, Spain, on Thursday morning. He is survived by his three children and devoted wife, with the couple celebrating a huge milestone just before the devastating crash.
Jota’s younger brother, Andre, 26, also passed away following the accident, the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed.
Diogo will no doubt be remembered for his extraordinary skills on the football field, with his precision, technical excellence, and unparalleled dribbling abilities elevating him as a stand-out member of the Liverpool squad.
Career accomplishments aside, Diogo enjoyed plenty of happiness in his personal life and had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days before his death.
READ MORE: Diogo Jota dead at 28 LIVE: Tributes pour in for Liverpool star after devastating car crash
Having both attended the same high school in Portugal, Diogo and Rute began dating in 2013, long before the sporting superstar made his senior international debut in 2019.
Rute supported Diogo every step of the way, moving to England in 2017 when Jota was snapped up by Wolverhampton Wanderers. Their adoration for each other and their young family was clear to see, captured in the photographs from their June wedding.
The former teenage sweethearts first announced their engagement in July 2022, with besotted Diogo getting down on bended knee during a picturesque lakeside dinner. And on June 22 of this year, they said ‘I do’ in a ceremony held in their hometown of Porto, surrounded by family and friends.
Stunning pictures shared via Instagram show the couple beaming from ear to ear in front of a church altar, Rute looking breathtaking in an ivory dress and flowing veil, straight out of a fairytale. In one photo, they are accompanied by their three adorable children, Dinis, born February 2021; Duarte, born March 2023; and a third child, welcomed in December 2024, whose name has not been publicly revealed.
Another snap shows the couple emerging from the church amid a flurry of confetti, embarking on what should have been the first exciting steps of a long and happy life together. Sharing photographs of herself clutching a pretty pink and cream bouquet, blissful bride Rute told delighted followers, “My dream came true”.
Making his deep affection for his new wife clear, Diogo commented on the post, “But I’m the lucky one,” finishing this off with a sweet heart-eye emoji. Reflecting on the “day we’ll never forget”, the couple vowed “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever” – a caption that now makes for heartbreaking reading.
Although she keeps a relatively low profile, Rute, who has nearly 80,000 followers on Instagram, regularly keeps fans updated with moments from their family life, from supporting Diogo at matches, to cosy Christmases at home and holidays to Lapland. Diogo will be remembered as a dedicated father who found great joy in family life, as well as a gifted footballer.
Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the accident with the following statement: “The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident, and the vehicle was on fire.
“1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Centre (CCU) of this accident. From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Centre were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene.”
Meanwhile, Proenca paid tribute “amazing” Diogo and his brother via social media, writing: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship.
“Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to, daily, honour their legacy.”
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READ MORE: Liverpool star Diogo Jota, 28, dies in tragic car crash days after his wedding