The football world was stunned when Liverpool star Diogo Jota died in a car accident in Spain. The 27-year-old player had just married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso a few days earlier.
He left behind Rute and their three young children, who now must go on without him.
Jota was traveling with his brother, André Silva, when the accident occurred. André plays professional football in Portugal’s second division. Their car went off the road and caught fire during the trip.
What makes this story even more sad is the timing. Just hours before the crash, the footballer had posted their wedding video online, captioning “a day we will never forget.“
Now Rute and their family have to deal with a terrible loss. They didn’t just lose a famous football player, but also lost the person who was the center of their home and family life.
Who is Rute Cardoso?
Diogo Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, is 28 years old and lives in Porto, Portugal. She finished school at Escola Secundária de Gondomar but never wanted to be in the spotlight or the news.
Her Facebook shows she started dating Jota on October 22, 2012. Some reports claim they became a couple in 2013, but they met in school before any romance developed.
Rute had been by Jota’s side throughout their relationship. She stood by him through every club move and injury he faced during his career.
While many football couples step into the spotlight, Rute chose to remain private. She never pursued the influencer path, rarely gave interviews, and instead focused on creating a stable home for her children.
Those close to the family describe her as the center of it all, managing the household and supporting Jota through every stage of his career without seeking attention.
Despite her quiet public presence, Rute often posted family moments on Instagram. She could be seen cheering Jota on during Liverpool and Portugal games, proudly wearing his jersey during events like UEFA Euro 2020.
In one post from the tournament, she stood in front of the pitch in a Portugal kit with the caption, “Nação Valente” (Brave Nation).
The Couple Got Married in June 2025
Diogo and Rute got married just ten days before he perished. They had their wedding in Portugal in June 2025 with their closest friends and family. The ceremony was quiet, elegant, and personal.
They didn’t want headlines or magazine deals. These were two people who had been together for over ten years and were finally getting married. They kept everything private, which was how they had lived their entire relationship.
Rute shared their wedding photos with a simple message: “Yes to forever — 22.06.2025.” Hours before the crash, they posted a happy wedding video with clips from their special day. That same video now has heartbreaking messages from fans.
They kept their private life separate from their football career. They never tried to capitalize on his fame or turn their relationship into a brand.
Their social media showed glimpses of their real life together, sharing everyday moments and family updates. Most football players and their partners live very public lives, but Diogo and Rute chose something much quieter.
Diogo Jota and Rute Cardoso’s Children
Diogo and Rute had three young children. Their first son, Dinis, was born in February 2021.
Rute shared her pregnancy on Instagram with a sonogram photo and wrote, “Baby is coming #feb21.” They had a small party later to find out the baby’s gender.
Likewise, their second son, Duarte, was born in March 2023, and their daughter was born on November 26, 2024.
Diogo and Rute kept their children away from public attention most of the time. They occasionally shared some sweet family moments online.
Netizens loved a video of little Dinis running onto the football field to hug his dad after a game. It showed everyone what their family life looked like.
Jota discussed how fatherhood had changed him. He told reporters that football was his passion, but home with Rute and the kids was where he felt most comfortable.
