In the shadowed aftermath of unimaginable loss, Rute Cardoso, the widow of Portuguese football icon Diogo Jota, has opened up about one of the most cherished moments in their 13-year romance: the day he proposed. Speaking in an exclusive interview with a Portuguese media outlet, the 28-year-old shared her heartfelt reflections, blending joy with profound sorrow. “Even if I could go back and choose again on that day, I would still say ‘Yes I do,'” Rute recounted, her voice steady yet laced with emotion. “But there’s one thing that makes me regret because I haven’t done it for him yet.” This poignant admission has left fans and friends alike pondering the depth of her torment—what is the unresolved promise that continues to haunt her?
The proposal, which took place in July 2022 at a serene lake near their hometown in Porto, was a pinnacle of their enduring love story. Diogo, then a rising star at Liverpool FC, had meticulously planned the moment. Surrounded by the gentle lapping of water and the golden hues of a setting sun, he got down on one knee, presenting a sparkling diamond ring that symbolized their shared dreams. Rute, who had been by his side since they were 13-year-old classmates in Gondomar, described the scene as “magical, like something from a fairytale.” Photos from that day, later shared on social media, captured the couple’s pure elation—Diogo’s broad smile and Rute’s tearful embrace speaking volumes about their bond.
Their relationship began innocently in the hallways of a local secondary school in 2012. Diogo, a quiet but determined teenager with aspirations of professional football, caught Rute’s eye with his kindness and ambition. “We were just kids, dreaming big,” Rute has often said in past interviews. As Diogo’s career blossomed—from youth academies to stints at Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid (on loan), Wolverhampton Wanderers, and finally Liverpool in 2020—Rute remained his constant support. She pursued her own path, studying marketing and building a presence as a social media influencer focused on family, wellness, and authentic living. Together, they navigated the highs of Premier League glory and the lows of injuries, always prioritizing their growing family.
The couple welcomed their first child, son Dinis, in 2021, followed by daughter Mia in 2023, and another son, João, in late 2024. These additions strengthened their commitment, but they chose to delay marriage until the time felt right. “We wanted to build our family first,” Rute explained in a 2023 post, emphasizing their unconventional path. The proposal in 2022 came amid Diogo’s successful season at Liverpool, where he contributed crucial goals and assists, solidifying his role under manager Jürgen Klopp and later Arne Slot. It was a promise of forever, one that culminated in their intimate wedding on June 22, 2025, in Porto.
The ceremony was a beautiful affair, attended by close family, friends, and Diogo’s Liverpool teammates. Held in a historic church overlooking the Douro River, it featured Rute in a elegant white gown and Diogo in a sharp suit, with their children scattering petals down the aisle. Social media buzzed with images of the couple’s first dance, their rings glinting under soft lights. “It was our ‘until death do us part,'” Rute captioned a video shared just hours before tragedy struck. Tragically, only 11 days later, on July 3, 2025, Diogo and his brother André Silva lost their lives in a devastating car crash on a Spanish highway. The accident, involving a high-speed tire blowout and subsequent fire, shocked the global football community and left Rute to grapple with widowhood mere weeks into marriage.
In the weeks following, Rute retreated from the public eye, focusing on her children and processing the grief. Her first social media post after the incident, marking their one-month wedding anniversary on July 22, 2025, was a heartbreaking tribute: “1 month of our ‘until death do us part.’ Forever, your white girl.” Accompanied by wedding photos, it evoked widespread sympathy, with fans flooding the comments with messages of support. Liverpool FC organized a memorial at Anfield, where Rute laid flowers amid a sea of scarves and jerseys, whispering words of remembrance to her young ones.
Now, as the current date marks August 14, 2025—over a month since the crash—Rute’s recent reflections on the proposal have brought fresh layers to her story. In her interview, she vividly recalled the lake setting: “The water was so calm, and Diogo had this nervous smile. He said, ‘Rute, you’ve been my everything since we were kids. Will you make it official?’ I said yes without hesitation.” Yet, beneath the romance lies the sting of regret. What torments Rute is not the life they built, but a promise unfulfilled—a dream Diogo harbored that she feels she delayed.
The revelation? Diogo had long aspired to establish a youth football academy in their hometown of Gondomar, a place to nurture young talents from modest backgrounds like his own. “He talked about it endlessly,” Rute disclosed. “He wanted to give back, to create opportunities for kids who dreamed of the pitch just like he did. We discussed it after the proposal, planning to start it once his career stabilized. But with the moves, the kids, and his commitments, we kept putting it off. Now, I regret not pushing harder, not making it happen for him while he was here to see it.”
This regret gnaws at Rute because it represents more than a missed project; it’s a piece of Diogo’s legacy she feels responsible for. Diogo, known for his philanthropy, had quietly supported local charities during his career, donating to youth programs in Porto and even funding equipment for underprivileged teams. Friends recall him speaking passionately about the academy, envisioning it as a hub with coaching from former pros, scholarships, and community events. “He said it would be our family’s gift to the world,” Rute shared, her eyes welling up. “I promised him we’d do it together, but life got in the way. That’s what day dứt me—knowing I haven’t done it for him yet.”
In the wake of his death, Rute has vowed to turn this regret into action. She’s begun consultations with local authorities and Diogo’s former clubs to launch the Diogo Jota Youth Academy. Preliminary plans include facilities for training, education, and mentorship, funded in part by donations from Liverpool FC and the Portuguese Football Federation. “This is how I’ll honor him,” she stated firmly. “The kids will know their father’s heart through this. It’s not just about football; it’s about the values he lived—perseverance, family, giving back.”
Rute’s journey of healing is intertwined with these efforts. Daily life in their Liverpool home, now tinged with absence, revolves around the children. Dinis, at four, asks about “Papa’s games,” while Mia and João provide innocent distractions. Rute has sought therapy, leaning on family in Porto and support from the football community. Teammates like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have visited, sharing stories that keep Diogo’s spirit alive. “They tell me he was always talking about us, about the academy,” Rute noted.
Reflecting broader, Rute’s story resonates as a testament to love’s fragility. Their path—from schoolyard crushes to global stardom—mirrors many couples’ struggles with timing and priorities. The proposal at the lake wasn’t just a question; it was a commitment to overcome obstacles. Yet, the regret underscores a universal truth: in the rush of life, some dreams slip away. “If I could tell anyone, it’s to act on those promises now,” Rute advised. “Don’t wait, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.”
As investigations into the crash continue—amid rumors of mechanical failure and unconfirmed reports of substances—Rute remains focused on positivity. She’s planning a memorial event in Porto, where the academy’s groundbreaking could coincide. Fans have rallied, launching online campaigns to support the initiative, raising thousands in Diogo’s name.
In quieter moments, Rute returns to memories of the proposal, the lake’s tranquility a stark contrast to her current storm. “That day was perfect,” she mused. “I’d say yes a thousand times. But fulfilling his dream—that’s my yes now.” Her torment, born of love, fuels her resolve. For Rute Cardoso, rebuilding isn’t about forgetting; it’s about completing what they started. In doing so, she ensures Diogo’s legacy endures, turning regret into redemption.
