Rute Cardoso, widow of the late Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, has shared poignant footage of his wedding speech to commemorate their one-year anniversary. The couple, who married on June 22, 2025, had three children together. Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically died in a car crash on July 3, 2025, less than two weeks after the wedding.
Cardoso posted a nearly 20-second video on Instagram Monday night, featuring clips from their wedding day, including Jota's heartfelt speech. In the clip, Jota said, "Where the future takes us, maybe there's someone here who knows better than I do. But the truth is, I don't know and it doesn't really matter to me as long as I'm with you. I love you forever, my Branquinha."
The post received supportive messages, including one from close friend Ruben Neves. Jota's memory is being honored as the one-year anniversary of his passing approaches.
At the ongoing World Cup, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has named Jota as an honorary squad member. The players are wearing bracelets bearing Jota's name, an initiative proposed by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. Midfielder Vitinha explained that the bracelets were designed to be wearable on the pitch and were received with affection by the team.
Jota's parents, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, were guests of the Portuguese Federation at their opening World Cup match against DR Congo. During the national anthems, an image of Jota was displayed on the stadium screens, which his parents watched emotionally.
Andy Robertson, Scotland captain and former Liverpool teammate, also pledged to Cardoso that he would play in the World Cup in honor of both her late husband and himself. Jota and Robertson had previously bonded over their shared aspiration to represent their countries in the 2026 tournament.
Diogo Jota played 123 times for Liverpool, scoring 47 goals, and was instrumental in their 2024-25 Premier League title win. During the past season, Liverpool supporters frequently paid tribute by singing his name in the 20th minute of every match, and the club retired his No. 20 shirt in his memory.