Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota shared a heartfelt message to his wife, Rute Cardoso, just days before his tragic death in a car crash in Spain—words that have now left the football world in mourning.
The devastating news broke in the early hours of Thursday morning, when emergency services in northern Spain discovered the bodies of Jota, 28, and his younger brother, André Silva, 26, following a fatal accident.
The tragedy occurred a mere 10 days after Jota married his childhood sweetheart, and the mother of his three children, in a romantic ceremony in Porto. The couple had recently shared their joy online, posting wedding photos and captions like “Yes to forever.”
A Final Message Filled With Love
Just two days before the accident, Cardoso posted a wedding photo on Instagram with the caption: “My dream came true.” In response, Jota commented simply: “But I’m the lucky one.”
Now, those three words—meant to express his deep love—stand as his final public tribute to the woman he called his soulmate, making the loss even more heartbreaking.
The Fatal Accident
The crash took place on the A-52 highway in Zamora province, a major route frequently used by travelers driving from northern Portugal into Spain.
According to a statement from emergency services in the Castilla y León region, several calls came in around Km 65 of the A-52, reporting a car accident with the vehicle engulfed in flames. Emergency personnel, including a Medical Emergency Unit and fire brigade, were dispatched, but both Jota and André were pronounced dead at the scene.
Grief Across the Football Community
The loss has sent shockwaves through the football world. Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, confirmed the deaths and expressed his profound sorrow:
“Much more than an extraordinary footballer, Diogo Jota was a remarkable human being—respected by teammates and rivals alike, and admired for his joy, humility, and character.”
The Federation has requested a minute of silence before the upcoming UEFA Women’s European Championship match between Portugal and Spain, in honor of the fallen brothers.
Liverpool FC’s Statement
In an official post shared Thursday morning, Liverpool FC said:
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club has been informed that the 28-year-old passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, André.”
“We will make no further comment at this time and respectfully ask for privacy for Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates, and staff. The club will continue to support them in every way possible.”
At Anfield, fans gathered early Thursday to lay flowers, scarves, and handwritten messages of condolence, honoring a player who had given so much to the club and its supporters.
A Love Story Cut Short
Jota and Cardoso’s love story began back in 2012, when they were teenagers. Over the years, they built a family together, welcoming three children, and often shared glimpses of their life off the pitch.
Their wedding on June 22, 2025, in Porto was the culmination of over a decade of love and partnership. Jota’s final public posts, including a joyful tweet celebrating their marriage, now serve as haunting reminders of a life—and a future—cut tragically short.
A Career to Remember
Jota began his professional football journey with Paços de Ferreira in Portugal, before being signed by Atlético Madrid in 2016. He had loan spells with FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers, eventually joining Wolves permanently in 2018.
In 2020, Jota made his high-profile £41 million move to Liverpool FC, where he quickly became a key part of the squad. In over 100 appearances, he played a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League title run, earning admiration from fans and teammates alike for his work ethic, skill, and humility.
A Nation—and a Sport—Mourns
As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, one thing is clear: Diogo Jota’s legacy extends far beyond football. His love for his family, his passion for the game, and his generous spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
In the words of his final message—“But I’m the lucky one”—Jota reminded the world of what truly mattered to him: love, family, and gratitude. And it’s that legacy that will live on.
