Rute Cardoso: Diogo Jota’s Widow Pens Touching Tribute to Liverpool Star Ahead of Visit to Anfield
- Rute Cardoso has shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute ahead of her first Anfield visit since Diogo Jota’s death
- Liverpool and the Premier League have planned emotional tributes, including a ‘Forever 20’ shirt emblem and retired number
- Wolves and the wider football community will also join in honouring the late Portugal forward this weekend
Rute Cardoso is still keeping the memory of her late husband alive after penning an emotional tribute to the Liverpool forward ahead of her first visit to Anfield.
The Reds are planning to pay tribute to their former player, who died in a car accident in northern Spain last month at the age of 28, together with his 25-year-old brother Andre Silva.
Source: Instagram
Rute will attend her first match at Anfield since the tragic loss of her husband last month.
Just weeks before his untimely death, Jota shared a heartfelt wedding video on Instagram, captioned: “A day we will never forget.”
Rute’s last post before the tragedy was also wedding-themed, a reminder of their deep bond.
According to the Daily Mirror, she shared another emotional post this week, a photo of Jota and one of their children at Lake Windermere, captioned: “My perfect kind of birthday,” a touching way of keeping his memory alive.
A family tribute planned at Anfield
Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Rute and Jota’s three children, Dinis, Duarte, and their youngest, will be at Anfield for Friday night’s game against Bournemouth, BBC reports.
The Premier League will mark the occasion with a moment of silence at all matches this weekend, players will wear black armbands, and messages and images will be displayed on stadium big screens.
Source: Getty Images
At Anfield, a fan-led mosaic will be unveiled in the Kop and the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand during the silence, ensuring Jota’s legacy is celebrated.
Arne Slot reveals Liverpool’s plans
In his programme notes, Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed the club’s commitment to supporting Jota’s family, per Daily Express.
“We know this will be a very emotional occasion… I believe that Diogo’s wife, his children, and his family will be in attendance, and it is important we show they will always have our love and support.”
Liverpool players will wear a ‘Forever 20’ emblem on their shirts and jackets throughout the season.
The number 20 shirt, worn by Jota during his time at the club, has been officially retired after discussions with Rute and other family members.
The gesture symbolises Jota’s contribution to Liverpool’s recent successes, including last season’s record-equalling 20th English league title.
Football set to honour Jota
Jota’s influence stretched beyond Liverpool. Wolves, where he also enjoyed a successful spell, will pay tribute during their opening match against Manchester City on Saturday.
Across football, tributes have poured in from former teammates, coaches, and fans, reflecting his reputation not only as a gifted player but also as a cherished person.
Sad details of Jota’s death
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that reports from Spanish authorities reveal the crash took place at approximately 12:40 am along the A-52 motorway, around 70 miles west of Valladolid.
The Lamborghini, which Jota was driving, was overtaking another vehicle when one of its tyres suddenly blew out. This critical failure caused the car to lose balance, spin out of control, and exit the road at high speed before colliding with roadside barriers.
Source: Legit.ng
