The widow of the late Portuguese football player Diogo Jota became overwhelmed with emotion while carrying a coffin after a funeral mass at the Igleja Matris Church in Portugal on Saturday. This came in the wake of Jota’s tragic death in a car accident earlier this week.
Rute Cardoso was visibly shaken while assisting the pallbearers. She bowed her head and wiped away tears as they carried the coffin of the former Liverpool star, alongside his brother Andre Silva’s.
Jota, just 28, and Silva, who was 25, lost their lives when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames, according to investigators.
Details surrounding who was driving at the time remain unclear.
This horrifying incident occurred a few weeks after Jota and Cardoso tied the knot on June 22. The couple had three young children together, and Jota had shared on social media that it was a “day we will never forget.”
In the lead-up to his wedding, Jota contributed to Portugal’s victory over Spain, a match that ended 5-3 on June 8.
Portuguese Prime Minister Louis Montenegro expressed heartfelt condolences to the families, calling it a “sad day for soccer and sports at large.”
Jota had made 49 appearances for his national team and had been with Liverpool since 2020, netting 65 goals in 182 games.
The Liverpool Football Club issued a statement mourning Jota’s passing, emphasizing the need to respect the privacy of his family and friends as they cope with this tremendous loss.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk took to Instagram, referring to Jota as a “champion forever,” praising him as not only a fantastic player but also a devoted family man. “Your family is enduring unimaginable pain,” he said, sharing his sorrow for Jota’s loved ones.
Several Liverpool players, including Van Dijk, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, and Andrew Robertson, attended the funeral in Jota’s hometown. Van Dijk arranged a floral tribute shaped like Jota’s jersey, while Robertson chose one shaped like Silva’s.
Portugal national team member Rubén Neves was present at the funeral, alongside other teammates like João Cancelo.
Reports indicate that hundreds turned out to pay their respects. Team Portugal manager Roberto Martinez reflected on the overwhelming sadness, yet highlighted the unity and support within the football community, saying their spirits will remain with the team forever.
