In the glittering world of professional soccer, where triumphs on the pitch often overshadow personal tragedies, the story of Rute Cardoso stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. Just weeks after exchanging vows with her childhood sweetheart, Liverpool star Diogo Jota, in a fairy-tale wedding that captured hearts around the globe, Rute’s world shattered in an instant. The devastating car crash that claimed the lives of Diogo and his brother Andre Silva on July 3, 2025, left behind a void that no amount of fame or fortune could fill. Now, as the dust settles on one of soccer’s most heartbreaking losses, Rute has opened up about her harrowing journey through grief—a path marked by sleepless nights, overwhelming sorrow, and the courageous decision to seek help through psychological therapy and sedatives. “I have to use this to sleep every night,” she confides, her words echoing the raw pain of a woman fighting to reclaim her life.
Diogo Jota, the dynamic Portuguese forward whose lightning-fast strikes and unyielding determination made him a beloved figure at Liverpool FC, was more than just a player—he was a devoted husband and father. Born in Massarelos, Porto, on December 4, 1996, Diogo’s rise to stardom was nothing short of meteoric. Starting his career at Paços de Ferreira, he quickly caught the eye of scouts, leading to stints at Atlético Madrid, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and finally Liverpool in 2020, where he became an integral part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad. His contributions were legendary: key goals in the Champions League, domestic cups, and the Premier League, helping Liverpool secure multiple titles. Off the field, Diogo was known for his humility and family-oriented nature. He and Rute Cardoso, his partner since their teenage years, built a life together that seemed unbreakable. They welcomed three children—a son and two daughters—whose laughter filled their home in the upscale suburbs of Liverpool.
Rute, a 28-year-old entrepreneur and social media influencer from Porto, had always been Diogo’s rock. The couple’s love story began in high school, where they met as wide-eyed teens dreaming of the future. Over the years, Rute supported Diogo through the highs and lows of his career, from injuries that sidelined him to the euphoria of international call-ups for Portugal. Their bond was evident in the countless photos shared on social media: family vacations in sun-drenched beaches, cozy evenings at home, and playful moments with their kids. On June 22, 2025, they made it official in a lavish ceremony in Porto, surrounded by friends, family, and soccer luminaries. Diogo’s final Instagram post, a video from their wedding, captured the joy of the day. “Yes to forever,” he captioned it, little knowing that forever would be cruelly cut short just 11 days later.
The tragedy unfolded on a quiet stretch of the A-52 highway in Zamora, Spain. Diogo and Andre, en route to a family gathering after a brief post-wedding getaway, lost control of their vehicle in a single-car accident. Emergency responders arrived to a scene of devastation: the car engulfed in flames, both brothers pronounced dead at the scene. The news sent shockwaves through the soccer community. Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing profound sorrow, with manager Arne Slot calling Diogo “a warrior on the field and a gentleman off it.” Tributes poured in from teammates like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who remembered his infectious smile and team spirit. Fans gathered outside Anfield, laying flowers and scarves in a sea of red, while Portugal’s national team observed a minute’s silence in his honor.
For Rute, the nightmare began with a phone call that changed everything. In the immediate aftermath, she was inconsolable. Reports from those close to the family described her as “fragile, barely able to stand” as she made her way to the morgue in Spain to say her final goodbye. Accompanied by loved ones, Rute collapsed under the weight of her grief, her body trembling as she confronted the unimaginable. Back in Portugal, the funeral at Igreja Matriz in Gondomar on July 5 drew hundreds, including Liverpool players and staff who flew in to pay their respects. In a moment that encapsulated her strength amid sorrow, Rute helped carry Diogo’s coffin, her white outfit a stark contrast to the black-clad mourners. Tears streamed down her face as she lowered her head, hugging supporters and drawing comfort from the pallbearers, which included Diogo’s Portugal teammate Rúben Neves.
But behind the public displays of mourning lay a private hell. The days following the funeral blurred into a haze of numbness and agony. Rute, suddenly a widow at 28 with three young children to raise, found herself grappling with questions that had no answers. Why him? Why now? The joy of their recent wedding amplified the pain—every corner of their home reminded her of the life they had planned. Sleepless nights became her constant companion, haunted by memories of Diogo’s laughter, his gentle touch, and the promises they made under the stars. “The silence at night is deafening,” a friend revealed. “She would lie awake, replaying their last conversations, torturing herself with what-ifs.”
It was during these darkest hours that Rute realized she couldn’t face the storm alone. Turning to professional help, she began psychological therapy sessions, a decision that marked the beginning of her healing process. Working with a renowned grief counselor in Porto, Rute delved into the layers of her loss. Therapy became her sanctuary, a space to unpack the complex emotions swirling within: anger at the senseless accident, guilt for surviving, and profound sadness for her children’s fatherless future. Sessions focused on cognitive behavioral techniques, helping her reframe negative thoughts and build resilience. “Grief isn’t linear,” her therapist explained in one early meeting. “It’s a wave that crashes, but with time, you learn to ride it.” Rute embraced mindfulness exercises, journaling her thoughts each morning, and group support meetings with other widows, where shared stories provided solace.
Yet, even therapy couldn’t always quiet the mind at night. The insomnia was relentless, turning rest into a battleground. After consulting with her doctor, Rute was prescribed sedatives—mild medications to aid sleep without the risk of dependency. “I have to use this to sleep every night,” she admits candidly, her voice steady but laced with vulnerability. The pills weren’t a crutch but a temporary bridge, allowing her body the rest it desperately needed to function. Combined with therapy, they formed a lifeline, helping her regain the energy to care for her children. Mornings now start with routines that honor Diogo: breakfast with the kids, sharing stories of their dad’s adventures on the pitch, and small rituals like lighting a candle in his memory.
Rute’s journey has resonated deeply with fans and the wider public, turning her into an unwitting symbol of resilience. On July 22, exactly one month after their wedding, she broke her social media silence with a heartfelt tribute. Posting wedding photos—their hands intertwined with gleaming rings, their first dance under twinkling lights—she wrote in Portuguese: “1 month of our ‘until death do us part’. Forever, your [bride].” The post garnered millions of likes and messages of support, from celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo to ordinary fans sharing their own loss stories. “Your strength inspires us all,” one commenter wrote. Liverpool FC, too, has stepped up, offering counseling services and financial support for the family, while establishing a foundation in Diogo’s name to aid young athletes.
As the weeks turn into months—today marking over six weeks since the tragedy—Rute is slowly piecing her life back together. She’s returned to her entrepreneurial ventures, launching a line of wellness products inspired by her experiences, aimed at helping others navigate grief. Family has been her anchor: her parents and siblings rallying around, while Diogo’s extended family ensures the children feel connected to their father’s legacy. Playdates at the park, school runs, and quiet evenings reading bedtime stories have become her new normal. Yet, the pain lingers, a shadow that therapy helps illuminate rather than erase.
Experts in grief psychology emphasize that Rute’s approach is a model for others. Dr. Elena Vasquez, a leading therapist specializing in sudden loss, notes, “Seeking help early, as Rute has, prevents long-term complications like depression or PTSD. Sedatives, when used judiciously under medical supervision, can be vital in restoring sleep patterns disrupted by trauma.” Rute’s story underscores a broader truth: in the face of unimaginable loss, vulnerability is not weakness but the first step toward healing.
Looking ahead, Rute envisions a future where Diogo’s memory fuels positive change. Plans for a memorial match at Anfield are in the works, with proceeds benefiting road safety initiatives. For her children, she vows to keep their father’s spirit alive—through videos of his goals, stories of his kindness, and the unwavering love that defined him. “Diogo taught me to fight,” she says. “Even in grief, I’m fighting for us.”
In a world obsessed with victories and defeats, Rute Cardoso’s battle is one of quiet heroism. Her willingness to confront pain head-on, armed with therapy and the occasional sedative, offers hope to anyone who’s ever loved and lost. As she navigates this uncharted path, one sleepless night at a time, Rute reminds us that from the ashes of heartbreak, strength can rise anew. Diogo may be gone, but his legacy—and Rute’s enduring love—will forever endure.
