On the 22nd of June 2025, Diogo Jota, a famous footballer, and his childhood sweetheart, Route Cardoso, celebrated a dream wedding, one that is usually in fairytales and Disney. But just 10 days later while returning from that joyous matrimony, that boobs suffered a heartbreak no one could have every imagined. Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a terrible car crash in Zamora, Spain. 

Rite was always by his side for more than a decade. The 2 school sweethearts became life partners, yet parents to 3 young ones. She was a mother who guided her family, ensuring the love and stability they shared. Then everything changed instantly. While at the funeral in Gondomar, Rute's strength was more evident than ever as she helped carry Jota's coffin. Her grief though, was evidence to the bright future that was quenched to soon. The children lost their father and Rute, her soulmate.

25 year old Silva's success was nearly as bright as his brother's. The 2 brothers, with all the promises made, were both lost. One's dream ended while the other's wasn't fully revealed. As for their parents, the seeing remains unimaginable. Loosing 2 sons who were shiny with talent, future and hope. Family photos now freeze some moments back in time when the 2 brothers stood side by side, but now gone forever.

And that grief spread so quickly. Liverpool announced the historic retirement of Jota's No. 20 jersey across every level as a tribute to his legacy. As symbols of love from all over the world, fans left letters, flowers and scarves at Anfield. A club that one cheered at his goals not weep silently. 

Arne Slot, João Cancelo, Virgil van Dijk, Caoimhín Kelleher, and Rúben Neves all united in his memory. His teammates gathered around Rute, offering her shoulders to cry on, with their years hidden. Devastated, former Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo says on social media: “Doesn’t make any sense… To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences… We will all miss you.”

At stadiums and online, his fans face disbelief, like it's all just a bad dream. A message left at Anfield reads: "Rest easy, Diogo. You gave us everything..." His passing away, just few days after reaching the peak of his personal and professional life, remains a cruel reminder just how breakable our happiest moments can be.

Investigations claim that a tyre blew off as theirs vehicle rolled along the A-52 causing it to veer and go into flames. Among the silence felt globally, Liverpool and Portugal have lost not just their champion, but a loving husband, a devoted father, a brother, a teammate and a friend.

Diogo Jota, born on December 4th 1996, wedded on June 22nd 2025 and lost on July 3rd 2025, has left empty spaces within our hearts. Spaces that can't be filled with his absence. A legacy remains forever!