Diogo Jota’s relatives were heartbroken when they heard the news of his death in a traffic accident.

On the morning of July 4, international media spread images and videos recording the moment Rute Cardoso, Diogo Jota’s wife, walked out of the Institute of Forensic Medicine – where the bodies of her husband and his brother-in-law were. The bodies of the two victims of the tragic accident were brought back to Portugal for funerals. 

Coming out of the morgue, Diogo Jota’s wife was stunned, she walked unsteadily and had to be supported by a person. Becoming a widow just 12 days after the wedding, this shock left Rute in pain and collapsed. 

Diogo Jota’s wife walked out of the morgue with a dazed look in her eyes and unsteady steps (Original photo: REUTERS)

The dream just came true and he was lost forever – The ultimate pain of a young bride when Diogo Jota passed away just 10 days after the wedding

Summer was supposed to be the best time of bride Rute Cardoso’s life. Less than two weeks ago, she donned a white wedding dress and walked toward the man of her life, Diogo Jota, amid a romantic atmosphere filled with laughter and well wishes. They had been together for nearly a decade, had three beautiful children, and had overcome all challenges together before finally tying the knot at the end of June.

“My dream has come true,” Rute emotionally shared when posting her wedding photos on social media. But no one expected that just over 10 days later, her beloved husband would leave her forever.

On the night of July 3, Diogo Jota, 28, a football star for Liverpool and the Portuguese national team, and his younger brother André Silva, were involved in a tragic accident while driving a Lamborghini on the A-52 near Zamora, Spain. The car lost control after a tire burst while overtaking, crashed into a ditch and caught fire. The two brothers died at the scene. The charred bodies made identification difficult.

Diogo Jota and his wife’s fairy tale love story ends in a tragic accident

Just a few days ago, Jota was still posting family photos, smiling brightly with his wife and children. He had just had a brilliant season with Liverpool, contributing greatly to the 2024–25 Premier League title and lifting the Nations League trophy with the Portuguese national team for the second consecutive time. He also celebrated his eldest son’s third birthday, and welcomed his third child – a baby girl – late last year.

The football world was shocked by the news. From Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi to sports stars like Rafael Nadal, LeBron James all expressed their deep condolences. Liverpool, the Portuguese Football Federation and UEFA have announced their condolences. A minute’s silence for Jota will be held at all matches of the 2025 Women’s European Championship. At Wimbledon, players will be allowed to wear black armbands – something that has never been done in the 148-year history of the tournament.

The A‑52, where the accident occurred, is known as a “black spot of death” in Spain, with many serious accidents caused by high speeds, poor visibility and poor road conditions. Many have questioned the safety of the route, but the greatest pain at the moment lies with Jota’s family – especially his young wife, who lost the love of her life just days after putting on her wedding dress.

A love that seemed to have been fulfilled, a hopeful future that had just begun – now only memories and tearful sharing remain.