Liverpool star Diogo Jota shared a touching video of his wedding just hours before he tragically died in a car crash in northern Spain aged 28.
The footballer posted the heartwarming footage on Instagram less than 24 hours before the fatal collision, which is believed to have also claimed the life of his 26-year-old brother, André, who is also a footballer.
In the video, Jota and his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso, with whom he shares three children, are seen tying the knot in a ceremony in Porto just two weeks earlier. The clip was captioned: “A day we will never forget.”
In what would be his final public message to Cardoso, Jota also shared a series of wedding photos on X five days ago, writing: “June 22, 2025. Yes, forever.” Cardoso had earlier posted, “my dream came true”, to which Jota replied: “But I’m the lucky one.”
News of the crash broke on Wednesday, with reports stating the vehicle the brothers were travelling in caught fire after crashing on the A-52 motorway in the province of Zamora. The road is commonly used by those leaving northern Portugal.
Emergency services in Castilla y León confirmed: “The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire.”
A medical unit, primary care staff and firefighters were sent to the scene, but both occupants were confirmed dead.
Pedro Proença, head of the Portuguese Football Federation, confirmed Jota’s death in a statement and paid tribute to both brothers.
He said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
“The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honour their legacy.”
Jota had been active on social media in recent months, regularly sharing updates with fans. After helping Liverpool win their second Premier League title and Portugal clinch the Nations League, he posted celebratory messages including, “No 20. Meant to be. #YNWA” alongside photos of himself with friends, Cardoso and their three children at Anfield.
He began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira before signing for Atletico Madrid in 2016. He spent time on loan at Porto and Wolves before joining the latter permanently in 2018. In 2020, Jota made a £41million move to Liverpool, where he went on to make over 100 appearances and win major honours.
