In the shadow of unimaginable loss, Rute Cardoso has opened her heart to the world, sharing the intimate details of her enduring love story with Diogo Jota. The Portuguese football star, whose life was tragically cut short at 28, proposed to his childhood sweetheart six years ago in a moment of pure romance. Yet, their path to the altar was fraught with unforeseen obstacles—COVID-19 in 2020, the joyous but demanding arrival of their first son Dinis in 2021, and the relentless grind of Jota’s professional schedule. It wasn’t until June 22, 2025, that they finally exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony in Porto, Portugal. Tragically, just 11 days later, Jota and his brother André Silva perished in a devastating car accident, leaving Cardoso a widow and their three young children fatherless. This revelation from Cardoso, shared in a poignant interview on August 20, 2025, paints a picture of a love that persevered through trials, only to be stolen away at its pinnacle.
Cardoso’s words, delivered through tears yet laced with unwavering affection, have resonated globally, turning a personal tragedy into a universal tale of love’s fragility. “Diogo asked me to marry him six years ago, under the stars in our hometown,” she recounted, her voice steadying as she recalled the memory. “We dreamed of a simple wedding, surrounded by family. But life had other plans.” As fans and the football community continue to mourn, this story underscores the human side of a sports icon— a devoted partner and father whose greatest victories were off the pitch.
A Love Born in Youth: From School Desks to Global Stardom
Diogo Jota and Rute Cardoso’s romance began in the unpretentious setting of Gondomar High School, a suburb of Porto, where they met as wide-eyed 15-year-olds in 2012. Jota, already showing promise on the local football fields, was drawn to Cardoso’s quiet intelligence and infectious laugh. “We were just kids,” Cardoso reflected. “But even then, I knew he was special. He had this drive, this passion that lit up everything around him.” As Jota’s career took off— from FC Porto’s youth academy to loans at Paços de Ferreira and Atlético Madrid, then a breakout stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers—Cardoso stood by his side, her support unwavering.
By 2019, after Jota’s move to Wolves had solidified his reputation as a rising star, their bond had deepened. It was that year, six years before their eventual wedding, that Jota proposed. Cardoso described the scene vividly: a quiet evening stroll along the Douro River, the city’s lights twinkling like stars. “He got down on one knee with a simple ring—nothing flashy, just us,” she said. “He promised we’d build a life together, no matter where football took him.” The proposal came amid Jota’s burgeoning success, including his role in Wolves’ Europa League campaign, but the couple envisioned a low-key wedding, prioritizing their privacy amid the growing spotlight.
Little did they know, the world was about to change. As 2020 dawned, Jota’s £41 million transfer to Liverpool marked a career high, but the global COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt. “We had planned the wedding for that summer,” Cardoso explained. “But with lockdowns, travel bans, and the uncertainty, it just wasn’t possible. Diogo was focused on staying fit during isolation, and we didn’t want to risk anyone’s health.” The delay was heartbreaking, but they adapted, using the time to strengthen their relationship. Jota thrived at Liverpool, scoring crucial goals in the Champions League and helping secure domestic trophies, all while Cardoso managed their home life with grace.
Joyful Interruptions: Parenthood and Professional Demands
The delays continued into 2021, but for the most beautiful reason: the birth of their first child, Dinis, in February. “Becoming parents changed everything,” Cardoso shared, her eyes lighting up at the memory. “Dinis arrived, and suddenly, the wedding felt secondary to this tiny miracle. Diogo was over the moon—he’d rush home from training to hold him, singing lullabies in Portuguese.” The arrival of their son brought immense joy but also new responsibilities. Jota’s schedule intensified as Liverpool chased the Premier League title, with grueling training sessions, matches, and international duties for Portugal leaving little room for wedding planning.
“We postponed again, thinking we’d do it after the season,” Cardoso said. “But Diogo’s commitments kept piling up—Euro 2020 was delayed to 2021 due to COVID, and he was a key player.” Jota’s performances that year were electric, netting 13 goals in his debut Liverpool season and earning plaudits for his versatility. Yet, behind the scenes, the couple navigated the challenges of new parenthood amid the chaos. Cardoso, a marketing and psychology graduate, balanced her career aspirations with family life, often attending matches to cheer Jota on, Dinis in tow.
The pattern persisted in the following years. In 2023, their second son, Duarte, was born, further enriching their family but adding to the logistical hurdles. “We wanted the wedding to be perfect, not rushed,” Cardoso noted. “Diogo’s calendar was packed—Champions League runs, World Cup qualifiers, and Liverpool’s quadruple chase in 2021-22. He was exhausted but always made time for us.” Jota’s on-field heroics, like his hat-trick against Atalanta or his FA Cup semi-final winner, masked the personal sacrifices. International breaks meant travel to Portugal, where family obligations intertwined with national team duties.
By 2024, with the birth of their daughter Mafalda in November, the family was complete. “Three kids under five— it was a whirlwind,” Cardoso laughed through her sorrow. “Diogo was the best dad, playing football in the garden with Dinis, teaching Duarte to walk. But his schedule didn’t let up. The 2024 Euros, Premier League title defense— we kept saying ‘next year.'” Jota’s lung surgery in early 2025 added another layer of caution, as recovery demanded focus and limited travel. Yet, through it all, their commitment never wavered. “He’d whisper promises at night,” Cardoso recalled. ” ‘Soon, my love. We’ll make it official.'”
The Long-Awaited Day: A Wedding of Dreams
Finally, in 2025, the stars aligned. With Jota’s recovery complete and a brief lull before Liverpool’s pre-season, the couple set the date for June 22. The ceremony at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar was intimate, attended by 80 close friends and family, including Jota’s Liverpool teammates like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Cardoso walked down the aisle in an elegant ivory gown, their children—Dinis as ring bearer, Duarte toddling along, and baby Mafalda in arms—adding a touch of whimsy. Jota, in a sharp grey suit, teared up as he vowed eternal love.
Social media glimpses captured the magic: Jota’s post, “A nod to forever,” showed them dancing under fairy lights, while Cardoso’s “Yes to forever” featured family portraits. The reception at a nearby vineyard overflowed with Portuguese traditions—arroz de marisco, pastel de nata, and toasts to their journey. “It was everything we’d dreamed,” Cardoso said. “After all the delays, it felt like fate rewarding our patience.” Little did they know, fate had a cruel twist in store.
The Unthinkable Loss: 11 Days of Bliss Shattered
Just 11 days later, on July 3, 2025, tragedy struck. Jota and André, driving a Lamborghini Urus from Porto to Santander for a ferry to England, suffered a tire blowout on Spain’s A-52 highway near Zamora. The car veered off, crashing and igniting in flames. Both brothers perished at the scene, despite swift emergency response. Jota, avoiding flights post-surgery, was en route to rejoin Liverpool for pre-season. The news stunned the world— a player at his peak, fresh from marriage and fatherhood, gone in an instant.
Cardoso’s grief was profound. “Identifying his body… it broke me,” she admitted. “We had 11 days as husband and wife—laughing with the kids, planning our honeymoon. Now, it’s all memories.” Tributes flooded in: Ronaldo’s “Rest in peace, brothers,” Liverpool retiring Jota’s No. 20 jersey, and Anfield vigils where fans sang his chant. The club pledged support for Cardoso and the children, establishing funds for their future.
A Legacy of Love: Cardoso’s Strength and Jota’s Enduring Spirit
In sharing their story, Cardoso honors Jota’s memory. “He proposed six years ago, and we waited through pandemics, births, and his dreams on the pitch,” she said. “Those delays made our wedding sweeter, but the pain… it’s unbearable.” She’s combated fake accounts spreading misinformation, focusing on raising Dinis, Duarte, and Mafalda with Jota’s values—humility, passion, family first.
The football world has rallied: Porto’s annual Jota Day, youth tournaments in his name, and fan campaigns like #CookForJota, recreating their wedding dish. Cardoso’s revelation humanizes the loss, reminding us that behind the goals and glory was a man who loved deeply. “Diogo taught me resilience,” she concluded. “We’ll carry on, for him.”
Their tale—from proposal to postponed vows, to a fleeting marriage—echoes life’s unpredictability. In 11 days, they lived a lifetime’s worth of love. As Cardoso holds her children close, Jota’s legacy endures: a star on the field, a hero at home, forever in hearts.
