Liverpool forward Diogo Jota's wife Rute Cardoso given psychological help after ‘identifying bodies’: Report

The deaths of Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother, André Silva, have sparked a wave of grief from fans, players, and officials across the football world.

The brothers were killed shortly after midnight in a car crash in northwestern Spain, when their Lamborghini veered off the road and erupted into flames, according to Spanish authorities.

In a deeply heartbreaking development, it was Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, who was called upon to identify their bodies, as police were unable to confirm their identities through the car's license plate due to the extent of the fire. Cardoso has since been provided with psychological support, and personal items recovered from the wreckage were placed in her care, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

Just 11 days before the fatal crash, Diogo Jota married his longtime girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, in what was meant to be the start of a joyful new chapter. The Liverpool and Portugal forward had shared a heartfelt video of the celebration on social media, offering glimpses of the pre-ceremony preparations and joyful moments, including the couple dancing to a live band.

Jota captioned the post: “A day we will never forget 🤍” — words that have taken on a deeply tragic resonance in the wake of his sudden passing.

The Portuguese Football Federation has said the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother are a huge loss for Portuguese football. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has called the news unexpected and tragic.

“I offer my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for both national and international sport,” he wrote.

Portuguese media reported that Jota was headed to the northern city of Santander to take a ferry to England after being advised not to fly following a recent lung procedure. The reports could not be immediately confirmed, as reported by Associated Press.

The funeral is expected to be on Saturday in the Portuguese city of Porto.

Jota was on summer break from soccer after having helped Portugal win the Nations League. That June 8 final against Spain in Munich was his last match.

It is a sad day for football and for both national and international sport.

At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at approximately $18 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He was also active in charitable causes and had partnered with international artists such as Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa on various promotional and philanthropic efforts.

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