DIO Jota (27, Liverpool) has passed away in a tragic accident. Just ten days after recently getting married, he died in a car accident along with his brother Andre Silva, shocking and grieving the football world.
On the 4th (Korean time), AS reported that "Jota's wife Ruth Cardoso was seen weeping at her husband's funeral home, moving the hearts of fans around the world." She appeared with Jota's agent, Jorge Mendes, looking shocked and had to be supported, and after getting into the vehicle, she bowed her head and shed tears.
Jota's funeral was held in Gondomar, Portugal, attended by key figures including the Portuguese president and prime minister, numerous fans, and national team colleagues. Jota's teammates João Moutinho and DIO Gu Dallo also accompanied him on his final journey.
The incident occurred on the A-52 highway near Zamora, Spain, on the 3rd. The Lamborghini vehicle that Jota and his brother were riding in veered off the road after a tire burst during an overtaking maneuver, and the car was totally destroyed in a strong impact. Both lost their lives at the scene.
The tragedy ironically stemmed from a "cautious choice" for health reasons. Jota had recently undergone minor surgery for a lung condition, and while recovering, he chose to return to Liverpool by car instead of by plane. He intended to take a ferry from Santander to southern England and then drive but ultimately did not set foot on British soil.
Jota's last post on social media was from his wedding. After nearly ten years of love with longtime partner Cardoso, they got married, and the photo from that day, where they dreamed of a happy future with three children, has now become a symbol announcing their eternal farewell to fans. The post has received over 500,000 condolence comments to date.
Cardoso said, "It was the day my dream came true. We thought we would be together forever," and her words from last week have now turned into an unbelievable narrative of parting.
The global football community continues to mourn Jota and his brother Andre Silva. In the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup held on the 5th, players from both teams observed a moment of silence before the match, and Portuguese teammates João Cancelo and Rúben Neves couldn’t hold back their tears.
Cancelo expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "Today, three children woke up without their father, and a woman faced the morning without her husband. Is there a more cruel day than this?"
Cristiano Ronaldo also posted a photo with Jota on social media, saying, "We were just together on the national team days ago. I cannot believe he is gone so soon after just getting married. I sincerely send my condolences to his wife, children, and family."
Liverpool FC also extended its condolences for Jota. The club arranged a special space for fans to pay their respects, and an online memorial has also been set up to accompany Jota on his final journey.
Furthermore, the number 20 worn by Jota will be permanently retired, marking the first instance of such a number being sealed in Liverpool's history since the club's founding in 1892. Liverpool stated, "The chant 'His name is DIO' that echoed in the fans' songs will be remembered forever," honoring Jota's dedication.
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