Diogo Jota’s family: Meet the three children the late Liverpool star leaves behind

Diogo Jota’s tragic death in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, has left the football world in mourning. The 28-year-old Liverpool forward was travelling with his brother, André, when their vehicle veered off the road and caught fire, killing both men.

The loss comes just days after Jota’s wedding to his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso.Rute Cardoso, the wife of the late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota, has been a constant presence in his life long before his rise to stardom. The couple met as teenagers in Porto, where they both attended the same school. While their relationship reportedly began in 2013, their bond would go on to span more than a decade, culminating in marriage just ten days before Jota’s tragic death in a car accident in Zamora, Spain.Over the years, Rute remained largely out of the spotlight but was often seen supporting Jota at matches, both for Liverpool and the Portugal national team. She made occasional appearances on social media, sometimes sharing personal milestones or moments of pride. One notable post from UEFA Euro 2020 showed her wearing a Portugal jersey with the caption, “Nação Valente,” which translates to “Brave Nation.”

A young family built together

Jota and Rute built a life together grounded in quiet devotion and family.

The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Dinis, in 2021. Their daughter followed in 2023, and their third child, a son named Duarte, was born in 2024. The youngest child’s name was initially not made public but has since been confirmed. Together, they were raising three children while also caring for their three beloved pet beagles.The couple occasionally offered glimpses of their family life online. From matchday celebrations to family vacations, both Rute and Jota shared moments that reflected a warm, grounded home life.

In one early photo from 2013, the couple is seen taking a selfie together — a subtle reminder of just how long they had been side by side.

Their wedding and final post

Just ten days before the fatal crash, Diogo and Rute got married in an intimate ceremony in their hometown. Rute described it as her “dream come true” in an Instagram post. In response, Jota commented, “But I’m the lucky one.” The couple’s happiness was evident in every photo and video shared from that day.A few hours before the accident, Jota posted a wedding video to his Instagram account with the caption, “A day we will never forget.” The footage has since circulated widely online, as fans and the football world mourn the devastating loss.Now, tributes continue to pour in from across the globe — not just for Jota as a player, but for the young father and husband whose life ended far too soon. For Rute, the heartbreak is immeasurable. The couple had just begun a new chapter, only to have it shattered in a moment no one could have foreseen.