“His last words to me still echo in my mind. I can’t believe the man I married just last week is gone,” said Rute Cardoso, Diogo Jota’s grieving wife, as she tearfully recounted the final words her husband shared with her before the fatal crash that claimed his life and that of his brother, André Silva.
Just ten days earlier, on June 22, 2025, Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota had married his long-time partner, Rute, in a private ceremony in Porto. It was a day filled with love and celebration, surrounded by their children and closest family members.
Jota’s final Instagram post—highlighting a joyful wedding reel captioned “A day we will never forget”—has since taken on a painful new meaning.Tragedy on the A-52In the early hours of July 3, 2025, tragedy unfolded on Spain’s A‑52 highway in Zamora province.
While driving a Lamborghini, Diogo and his brother André suffered a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver. The car veered off the road and burst into flames. Both brothers died instantly.
Diogo was found with his wedding ring still on his finger.Rute’s heartbreaking recollectionNow mourning her devastating loss, Rute Cardoso has revealed the chilling final words her husband spoke to her before leaving that morning:> “I can’t believe the man I married last week is gone…”Meant as a playful, romantic gesture, his words now linger in her memory with unbearable sorrow. What should have marked the beginning of their new life together instead became a tragic farewell.
An outpouring of grief across footballThe global football community responded with shock and mourning. Liverpool FC, Portugal’s national team, UEFA, and countless players observed moments of silence in tribute.
Figures like Trent Alexander-Arnold and manager Jürgen Klopp joined in remembrance, while players at the Women’s Euro observed a solemn pre-match tribute. Cristiano Ronaldo, visibly affected, said: “It doesn’t make sense. We were just together in the national team, and now he’s gone after just getting married…”A life and legacy rememberedJota’s football career was marked by brilliance.
From youth clubs in Porto to standout performances for Wolves and Liverpool, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, helping secure a Premier League title, FA Cup, and two League Cups.
But beyond his accolades, it is his deep love for his family and the moving words he shared with Rute that resonate most now. The same man who pledged “Yes to forever” just days ago is now mourned by millions.Rute, left to process a loss beyond words, said: “His last words to me before he passed still reflect in my memory.” With only the memories of their brief marriage and the love they shared, she now faces a life forever changed.
A universal reminder of life’s fragilityTributes continue to pour in—from fans, teammates, and leaders worldwide. Diogo Jota will be remembered not only for his talents on the field but also for the man he was off it: devoted, humble, and loving.
His widow’s painful words—“I can’t believe the man I married last week is gone”—will endure as a solemn reminder of how quickly joy can turn to grief, and how deeply final words can stay with us.—In memory of Diogo Jota (1996–2025) and André Silva (1998–2025)