Diogo Jota's wife Rute Cardoso helps carry coffin at funeral
Share this @internewscast.com

The widow of the late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota was visibly distraught as she accompanied his coffin during the funeral service held on Saturday at Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar, Portugal. The gathering came in the wake of his tragic passing in a devastating car accident earlier in the week.

Rute Cardoso, visibly emotional, assisted pallbearers, bowing her head and shedding tears while they carried the former Liverpool player’s coffin. The service also honored his younger brother, Andre Silva, who was also killed in the crash that took place shortly after midnight on Thursday in Spain.

Jota was 28 years old and Silva, a fellow soccer player, was 25.

The siblings lost their lives when the Lamborghini they were driving veered off the road and burst into flames, investigators said.

It is unclear who was behind the wheel.

The horrific incident occurred just weeks after Jota and Cardoso, his partner of 10 years, tied the knot on June 22. They share three young children.

“A day we will never forget,” Jota captioned a joint Instagram post with Cardoso.

In the weeks leading up to his big day with Cardoso, Jota helped Portugal win the Nations League with a 5-3 triumph over Spain on June 8.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to their family,” Portugal Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated. “Today is a somber day for soccer and the world of sports at both the national and international level.”

Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal.

He suited up for Liverpool since 2020, scoring 65 goals across 182 appearances.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said in a statement.

The team added it requests “the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”

Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, posted an emotional tribute to Jota on Instagram, calling him “a champion forever.”

“What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man,” he wrote.

“You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family.”

Van Dijk, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, teammate Andrew Robertson and manager Arne Slot were among those from Liverpool who attended Saturday’s funeral in Jota’s hometown.

The Liverpool captain had a red floral arrangement in the form of a soccer jersey with Jota’s No. 20 in white, while Robertson had a No. 30 version for Silva, per the Associated Press.

Team Portugal’s Rúben Neves served as a pallbearer, while fellow national team member João Cancelo and others also attended the funeral, per the report.

Hundreds of people reportedly paid their respects at the funeral.

“These are really, really sad days, as you can imagine,” Team Portugal manager Roberto Martínez said, per the AP. “But today we showed we are a large, close family. … Their spirit will be with us forever.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
UN commission accuses Israel of 'extermination' in controversial report

UN Criticized for Funding Committee Aiming to Undermine Israel, Despite Financial Shortfall

Critics have expressed outrage at the United Nations for allocating funds to…
Floods turned beloved Texas camp into a nightmare. At least 23 girls remain missing

Floods Transform Cherished Texas Camp into Tragedy: 23 Girls Still Missing

In KERRVILLE, Texas, concerned parents took to social media to desperately share…
Pope Leo XIV Illinois childhood home purchased by village of Dolton

The Village of Dolton Buys Pope Leo XIV’s Childhood Home in Illinois

The 1,050-square-foot home in Dolton, south Chicago, was bought by the Pope’s…
Back of the Yards, Chicago shooting: At least 7 seriously injured in mass shooting in 4800-block of South Justine Street, CPD says

Mass Shooting in Chicago’s Back of the Yards: 7 Suffer Serious Injuries on South Justine Street, Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police reported that at least seven individuals sustained…
Trump says US will begin talks with China on possible TikTok deal as early as Monday

Trump Announces Potential TikTok Negotiations with China to Start Monday

President Trump said he will begin talks with China in coming days…
Tropical Storm Chantal forms off South Carolina coast

Tropical Storm Chantal Develops Near the Coast of South Carolina

On Saturday morning, Tropical Storm Chantal emerged near the coast of South…
Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing

Texas Flood Survivors Share Dramatic Experiences as Search Efforts Persist for the Missing

As officials continue to verify fatalities and search for people missing following…
James McMurdock, Reform UK MP, at the House of Commons.

Reform MP James McMurdock Takes Leave from Party Due to ‘Business Conduct During Pandemic’ Concerns

REFORM MP James McMurdock has voluntarily removed the party whip from himself.…
Subway riders deliver street justice to brute who grabbed screaming woman on platform

Subway Commuters Take Action Against Man Who Attacked Woman on Platform

A group of everyday New York City subway riders delivered some street…
Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump Lashes Out: Putin Wants to Continue Killing in Ukraine, Claims He’s ‘Very Unhappy’ After Hour-Long Call with Vladimir

Donald Trump sounded a grim alarm over Putin’s intentions to “continue the…
Tropical Storm Chantal forecast to bring heavy rain to the Carolinas

Chantal Set to Deliver Heavy Rainfall to the Carolinas

Tropical Storm Chantal has developed off the southeast coast of the U.S.,…
South Philly shooting today: At least 8 wounded in mass shooting inside 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA

8 Injured in Mass Shooting at South Philly’s 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge Today

PHILADELPHIA — Eight people were wounded in a mass shooting early Saturday…