The 28-year-old Liverpool forward and his younger brother, Andre Silva, aged 25, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain on July 3—a heartbreaking event that sent shockwaves through the football community. ..Continue Reading
Authorities confirmed that the Lamborghini they were driving suffered a tyre failure while overtaking another vehicle, causing the crash as they exited the A-52 highway in Zamora, located in the country’s northwest.
Just eleven days before the tragedy, Jota had tied the knot with his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, in Sao Cosme, Porto.
The ceremony was attended by close friends and family, including Liverpool teammates Andy Robertson and Caoimhin Kelleher.
In a sorrowful turn of events, the Portuguese international and his brother were laid to rest at the same location two days after their passing.
In the days that followed, the football world came together in mourning, with fans and fellow players sharing heartfelt messages and tributes across social media platforms.
Earlier today, Rute returned to Instagram for the first time since the accident, posting three wedding photos alongside a touching 14-word message that captured the depth of her grief and love.
‘1 month of our “until death do us part” [white love heart emoji],’ she wrote.
‘For ever, Your white girl [white love heart emoji].’
Within just sixty minutes, the emotional tribute gathered more than 200,000 likes, as Jota’s wife was flooded with heartfelt messages and expressions of sympathy.
Earlier in July, Liverpool announced their intention to honour Jota’s legacy by retiring the No.20 jersey, commemorating the beloved forward who was instrumental in their Premier League triumph last season.
The club plans to withdraw the number from use at every tier, extending the tribute to both the youth academy and the women’s squad.
A statement from Liverpool said: ‘After consultation with his wife, Rute, and family, the club can announce the squad number will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy.
‘The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them.’
Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards added: ‘As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.
‘It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.
‘I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
‘By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.
‘Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.
‘As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.’
Tributes were made as Liverpool’s players took to the field for the first time since Jota’s passing for their pre-season game with Preston North End this month.
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