It is an incredibly heartbreaking tragedy. The wife of the late DIO Jota (29, Liverpool), who died in a car accident, could not hide her grief.
Spain's 'AS' reported on the 4th (Korea time) that "The sad appearance of Jota's wife has caused a global reaction following the death of the Portuguese football player Jota," and showed the scene of Jota's wife, Ruth Cardoso, visiting the funeral home.
Cardoso appeared alongside Jota's agent Jorge Mendes. He moved with a look of disbelief, assisted by others, and after getting into the vehicle with difficulty, he buried his face and swallowed his tears. AS reported, "Cardoso arrived at the funeral home where Jota's remains are kept. Jota passed away in a traffic accident along with his brother."
According to the UK 'BBC', the funeral for Jota and his brother Andre Silva was held in Gondomar, a small town on the outskirts of Porto. Attendees included the Portuguese president, the prime minister, and numerous fans who gathered to pay tribute to the two brothers who suddenly passed away.
Mendes, who shed tears upon hearing the news of Jota's death, took care of both Cardoso and Jota's mother. The family reportedly shared their grief with an overnight prayer session held privately. Portuguese national team teammates such as Joao Moutinho and DIO Dalot also visited the funeral home to see Jota on his final journey.
The tragedy occurred in the early hours of the 3rd. Jota passed away in an unexpected traffic accident while traveling with his brother, who was also a football player. According to announcements from Liverpool FC and the local Spanish police, he met with the accident on the A-52 highway near Zamora, Spain.
The Lamborghini that Jota and Silva were riding in lost control after a tire burst while overtaking another vehicle. As a result, the vehicle was engulfed in flames due to the violent impact, and both of them lost their lives at the scene. The burnt-out vehicle is a testament to the severity of the accident.
The reason Jota traveled by car instead of a plane was due to a small coincidence. He had undergone minor surgery for lung problems recently, and was returning to Liverpool by car based on the doctor's advice, rather than flying. His plan was to travel by car from Porto to Santander, then take a ferry to southern England and drive to Liverpool.
However, Jota would not return to Liverpool. Liverpool FC set up a temporary altar to allow fans to pay their last respects. Additionally, they created an online portal for condolences to accompany him on his final journey.
Particularly heartbreaking is that Jota got married to his long-time partner, Cardoso, on the 22nd of last month. He had the accident just about ten days after tying the knot with his wife.
Jota and Cardoso started dating in 2012 and have three children together. They officially tied the knot at a church in Braga, northern Portugal, last week. At that time, Jota said, "It was a day I will never forget," smiling happily, while Cardoso stated, "I will be with you forever. My dream has come true," beaming with joy.
However, the wedding photo shared by Jota became his last post on social media while he was alive. The post has received over 500,000 tribute comments.
In the football community, tributes to Jota and Silva are underway. Ahead of the quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Al Hilal and Fluminense held on the 5th, players from both teams took a moment for silence. Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, teammates of the Portuguese national team, were seen with tearful eyes.
Earlier, Cancelo posted a heartbreaking tribute saying, "Today, three children woke up without their father. Their mother and father opened their eyes without their two sons. A wife woke up without her husband. Today, we all woke up in shock."
Cristiano Ronaldo also shared a photo of Jota on social media, stating, "This is unbelievable. We were just together on the national team, and you just got married. I express my condolences to Jota's family, wife, and children. I want to send all the support from the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace (R.I.P) Jota and Silva. We will all miss you."
Jota has also been confirmed as the first player to have his number permanently retired in Liverpool history. Liverpool decided not to use Jota's number 20, which contributed to the team's 20th league championship last season. This marks the first time since the club's founding in 1892. Liverpool noted, "The phrase 'His name is DIO' that has always resonated in the fans' chant will be remembered forever."
[Photo] Liverpool, AS, Cardoso, FIFPro social media.
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