The football world is reeling from the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s sudden death. The 28-year-old Portuguese forward, best known for his time at Liverpool and with the national team, died in a tragic car accident in the early morning of 3rd July 2025, in Zamora, Spain. His brother André, who played for Peñafiel, also lost his life in the crash near Palacios de Sanabria on the A-52 highway.
Born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva on December 4, 1996, Jota built an impressive footballing career marked by speed, sharp finishing, and relentless drive. He rose through the ranks at Paços de Ferreira before signing with Atlético Madrid in 2016. Stints at Porto and Wolves followed, with Jota eventually landing at Liverpool in 2020 for £41 million.
Over the years, he became a standout performer for both club and country, earning caps for Portugal at every youth level before making his senior debut in 2019. He represented Portugal in major tournaments, including two European Championships and the 2022 World Cup, and was part of the squads that won the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
As fans and teammates mourn the loss of a true talent taken far too soon, many are also wondering about the man behind the jersey. Who was Jota off the pitch? Did he have a wife or long-time partner by his side? Let’s find out.
Diogo Jota Had Just Got Married Days Before His Passing
The late footballer got married just days before his tragic death. On June 22, 2025, he officially tied the knot with his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple had been engaged for three years and were already raising a family together before finally making it official.
Their wedding came during the off-season and followed closely behind fellow Liverpool player Luis Díaz’s marriage in Colombia.
During their engagement, Jota and Rute welcomed two more children, bringing their total to three. Their youngest child was born on November 26, 2024. The couple announced the birth in a heartfelt Instagram post showing the newborn’s hand being held by both parents.
That post, which was Jota’s first since October 8—after scoring a match-winner against Crystal Palace—quickly received over 59,000 likes and dozens of comments from fans, friends, and former colleagues.
The pregnancy had first been hinted at during Euro 2024, when Jota celebrated a disallowed goal by putting the ball under his shirt. Rute later confirmed the news on Instagram, and the couple was met with a wave of support.
Jota had been recovering from an injury suffered in a match against Chelsea on October 20 and was expected to return to action after the international break. Sadly, that return will never come.
He leaves behind his wife, Rute, and their three young children, just days after beginning a new chapter in his personal life.
Who Is Jota’s Widow, Rute Cardoso
Cardoso was more than just Diogo Jota’s wife—she was his partner through every stage of his life and career. The two met as teenagers while attending the same high school in Portugal and started dating around 2013, long before Jota became a professional footballer.
When Jota’s career took off, Rute stayed by his side. In 2017, she moved to England with him after he signed with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and later followed him to Liverpool in 2020. Over the years, she’s remained a steady presence behind the scenes, quietly supporting him while raising their growing family.
She’s also active on Instagram, where she shares family photos, travel highlights, and life updates with her followers. Known for her love of travel and tight-knit family moments, Rute has kept most of her private life out of the spotlight—but she’s always been part of Jota’s story.
