Funeral service for Diogo Jota and brother André: Widow sends a silent message
In the church in Diogo Jota's hometown, family and friends attend the funeral service for the national soccer player and his brother. Jota's widow wears white—making a statement.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk wore a floral arrangement with Jota's number 20 on his shirt, while his national team colleague Ruben Neves flew in directly from the Club World Cup in the USA: family and close friends said goodbye at the emotional ceremony.
Rute Cardoso offered a sight many will never forget. The young widow appeared dressed entirely in white—no trace of traditional black mourning clothes. Instead, she wore a simple, elegant outfit in the same color she had worn for her wedding just two weeks earlier: a white blouse with a perforated pattern and light-colored trousers.
Jota's Liverpool teammates also paid their respects. Led by captain Virgil van Dijk, they dressed in black and walked to the chapel. In their hands, they held a special memento: a shirt made of red roses, adorned with the number 20 – Diogo's number on the pitch and in their hearts. Van Dijk had already been unable to hold back his tears at the wake the day before.
Diogo Jota and Rute Cardoso have been a couple since their teens and have three children together. After 13 years of dating, they tied the knot on June 22, 2025 – the wedding was considered the emotional highlight of their lives together. Both proudly shared photos and videos of the church ceremony on Instagram, with Rute writing about the "love of her life," and Jota commenting, "Forever."
Just a few days later, Rute stands alone at her husband's grave. But with her white attire, she sends a silent message: Even if life ends, love remains.
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