This morning, starting at 11:00 a.m., the funeral of Diogo Jota was held. The event, which attracted great interest from the international press, allowed for something very sad: none other than the harsh images of his widow, Rute Cardoso, broken with grief.
The young woman couldn't hide her devastation at the unexpected loss of her husband in a tragic accident. She just can't believe that life has dealt them this blow.
Rute Cardoso, devastated in the final farewell to Diogo Jota
The Matriz Church of Gondomar was filled with flowers, tears, and broken embraces from the early hours of the morning. However, no image was as painful as that of Rute Cardoso, who attended dressed in white. She couldn't help but break down in front of her husband's casket, so she had to be comforted repeatedly at different moments.
Recently married to Diogo Jota, she saw her life take a U-turn. What was supposed to be a period of family fulfillment with her three young children became a tragedy with no consolation. Her lost gaze, the gestures of those holding her, and her constant tears showed that she still can't believe what happened.
The young woman leaned on her family and the footballer's closest circle, whom she had married just a few days ago. The attendees remained by her side in silence, knowing there aren't enough words to ease such a blow.
Her images have moved the entire world. Media outlets from Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Spain have highlighted her, pointing out how devastating her expression was. No one could remain indifferent to her pain.
A funeral, Diogo Jota's, filled with emotion, symbols, and football figures
Diogo Jota's funeral and his brother's was not just an intimate event. It was also an occasion of international significance. Teammates, friends, coaches, and the player's fans wanted to say goodbye to him with respect and affection.
Among the most well-known faces who traveled to Gondomar were Thiago Alcántara, Ricardo Carvalho, Joao Félix, and other players from different generations. However, one of the most symbolic moments was led by Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, who headed the funeral procession.
He carried a wreath with the number 20, the same number Diogo wore on his jersey. This gesture was captured by the media as the most moving tribute from the English team, which remains shocked by the loss.
Silence filled the streets near the church. Portuguese fans respected the family's grief, but they didn't stop showing their affection. Especially toward Rute Cardoso, but also toward the parents of the two deceased, Joaquim and Isabel.
Diogo Jota, an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer
Diogo Jota's passing has shocked not only Liverpool but all of European soccer. At just 28 years old, he was one of the most respected talents of his generation. From his beginnings at Paços de Ferreira (Paços de Ferreira), to his breakthrough at Wolverhampton and his leap to Liverpool, his career was marked by humility and goals.
For Rute Cardoso, his widow, the tragedy was twofold. She not only lost her partner, but also her brother-in-law, with whom she shared great family moments. In many of her social media posts, the closeness of the clan could be seen, always united in celebrations and vacations.
Today, Gondomar said goodbye to its most beloved son. Soccer said farewell to a footballer who still had much to give. Above all, it was the farewell of a wife who wasn't ready to lose the love of her life.