Liverpool forward Diogo Jota shared wedding photos on Instagram in June 28, captioning them: "June 22, 2025. Yes, forever." The Portuguese striker married longtime partner Rute Cardoso in a ceremony two weeks ago, weeks before his tragic death in a car accident.
Jota and Cardoso, who met at age 13 and began dating at 17, leaves behind three children. The couple, who kept their relationship private, celebrated their union with family and close friends in a low-key event. "Their love story began in adolescence, and they built a beautiful family together," a source close to the couple told reporters.
Multiple outlets confirmed Jota's death early today, just days after he returned from honeymooning in the Algarve. The 28-year-old, who won the Premier League and UEFA Nations League this season, was traveling with his brother when their vehicle crashed in Spain's Zamora Province.
"Diogo was devoted to his family," a Liverpool teammate said. "He often talked about his kids and how much they inspired him." The couple's three children—aged 5, 3, and 1—were born during Jota's time at Wolves and Liverpool.
Tributes poured in from the football world, with fans noting the poignancy of Jota's final Instagram post: "His last words to the world were about love and forever. That's how we'll remember him." Funeral arrangements are pending, with Liverpool planning a memorial service for the striker.
