Diogo Jota’s Widow Shares ‘Forever’ Tribute One Month After Wedding, Days Before His Passing

Grieving Widow Honors Diogo Jota One Month After Tragic Death
(Approx. 650 words)

Rute Cardoso, widow of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, shared a poignant tribute on the one-month anniversary of their wedding, posting three intimate photos from their ceremony in Porto, Portugal. The couple, childhood sweethearts and parents to three young children—Dinis (4), Duarte (2), and baby Mafalda (8 months)—had married just 11 days before Jota and his brother, André Silva, died in a car crash in northern Spain on July 3. Alongside images of their clasped hands and wedding moments, Rute wrote: “1 month of our ‘until death do us part.’ Forever. Your white girl.”

Liverpool FC immediately retired Jota’s No. 20 jersey in consultation with his family, a gesture manager Arne Slot called the “least we could do.” The club’s website also immortalized Jota under a “Forever” section, declaring, “He will always be our number 20.” Slot added, “We will carry him in our hearts, especially in difficult moments.”

[IMAGE 1: Rute and Diogo holding hands at their wedding; caption: “Rute Cardoso shared tender moments from their Porto ceremony.”]

A mural honoring Jota and his brother now stands near Anfield, while Wolves—where Jota played from 2017–2020—inducted him into their Hall of Fame. The Portuguese forward, who joined Liverpool for £41 million after scoring 44 goals for Wolves, was remembered as a “transformative” figure who helped secure European football for the club.

[IMAGE 2: Mural near Anfield; caption: “A tribute mural celebrates Jota’s legacy in Liverpool.”]

[IMAGE 3: Jota in Wolves colors; caption: “Wolves honored his 44-goal contribution posthumously.”]

Dozens of Liverpool teammates, including Virgil van Dijk and Darwin Núñez, attended Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal. Manager Slot and players like Luis Díaz joined a Requiem Mass for the brothers, reflecting the depth of loss felt across the football community.

[IMAGE 4: Liverpool squad at the funeral; caption: “Teammates paid respects in Jota’s hometown.”]

Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against Preston North End featured a minute’s silence, black armbands, and a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Preston captain Benjamin Whiteman laid a wreath, and a commemorative program featured Jota hoisting the Premier League trophy. Wolves plan a similar tribute ahead of the 2025-26 season.

[IMAGE 5: Tribute at Preston match; caption: “Fans and players united in mourning during pre-season.”]

Jota’s sudden death sent shockwaves through global sports, with athletes across disciplines mourning the 28-year-old’s passing. His legacy endures through his family, club tributes, and the indelible mark he left on teammates and supporters worldwide.

[IMAGE 6: Jota with Premier League trophy; caption: “The forward’s final season culminated in Liverpool’s title win.”]

—Compiled with agency inputs

(Word count: ~650)

Note to Editor: Place images as indicated with captions to complement the narrative.