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
Ukraine, Denmark ink landmark deal to produce weapons in Europe

Ukraine and Denmark Sign Historic Agreement to Manufacture Weapons in Europe

Kyiv struck a landmark deal with Denmark Friday that paves the way…
Brooks Nader's period stain steals the spotlight during wardrobe mishap at Wimbledon

Brooks Nader’s Wardrobe Blunder at Wimbledon: Period Stain Catches Attention

Brooks Nader poked fun at herself after unexpectedly getting her period during…
South Philly shooting today: At least 8 wounded in mass shooting inside 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA

Mass Shooting at 7 Elements in South Philly: 8 Injured

PHILADELPHIA — At least eight people were wounded in a mass shooting…
Christie Brinkley admits she is a 'fool for love' despite four failed marriages

Christie Brinkley Confesses She’s a ‘Romantic at Heart’ Even After Four Divorces

Christie Brinkley is no stranger to love. The legendary supermodel, who has been…
American veterans attacked, injured while distributing aid in Gaza with US-backed group

US-backed group distributing aid in Gaza reports assault and injuries to American veterans

Two American war veterans involved with the U.S.- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian…
Body found in search for Brian Tarrence in Turks and Caicos

A Body Discovered During Search for Brian Tarrence in Turks and Caicos

A decomposed body has been discovered amid the search efforts for a…
Heroes, zeros from Mets' Subway Series win: Jeff McNeil came through

Mets’ Subway Series Victory: Jeff McNeil Shines While Others Falter

Heroes, zeros and the inside pitch from the Mets’ 6-5 win over the…
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season

Steps to Get Ready for an Active Hurricane Season in 2025

HOUSTON (AP) — For the millions of Americans residing in coastal regions,…
Two girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, at Texas Christian camp found dead

Two Young Girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, Discovered Deceased at Texas Christian Camp

Two girls from Camp Mystic, who were missing, were discovered deceased during…
Parents desperately seeking answers on missing campers after Texas flood

Parents Frantically Seek Information on Campers Missing After Texas Flood

Parents are searching for information about their children’s whereabouts as dozens remain…
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…
What Movie Should I Watch Tonight? ‘Dances with Wolves’ Extended Cut on HBO Max

Looking for a Movie to Watch Tonight? Check Out the Extended Version of ‘Dances with Wolves’ on HBO Max

This Fourth of July, take a moment to remember the Kevin Costner…