20 hrs before car crash, Diogo Jota's last Instagram post was a love note to his new bride Rute Cardoso
Jota, known for his sharp instincts on the pitch and quiet charm off it, was considered one of the Premier League's brightest talents. Just two weeks ago, on June 22, 2025, he married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in a joyful ceremony. In what would become his final Instagram post, shared just 20 hours before news of the crash broke, he celebrated his family and the love they shared. That post has since gone viral, now serving as a heartbreaking reminder of a life cut tragically short.
Diogo Jota death: Fatal crash in Zamora claims the lives of the footballer and his brother
According to reports, the fatal accident took place on the A-52 highway in the province of Zamora, near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria. Diogo Jota had been travelling in a vehicle with his 26-year-old brother, André, who is also a professional footballer, when their car veered off the road and caught fire.
Emergency services received multiple calls to the 1-1-2 Castilla y Leon hotline shortly after 12:30 p.m., reporting that a vehicle had left the road and was in flames. Zamora's Provincial Council later confirmed the incident in a statement, writing, 'Two young people die in an accident on the A-52 (Palacios de Sanabria)... They were 28 and 26 years old. RIP.'
The fire reportedly spread to nearby vegetation, making the scene even more devastating. First responders from the Rionegro del Puente Fire Station attended the crash, but both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
'A day we'll never forget': Jota's wedding video becomes his final Instagram post
Adding to the heartbreak is the haunting timing of Jota's final Instagram post, a wedding video shared just 20 hours ago. On June 22, he married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in a beautiful ceremony in Porto. The couple, who share three children, looked radiant and full of joy as they celebrated their union surrounded by friends and family.
Jota captioned the video: 'A day we will never forget.' The clip offers a glimpse into his wedding with Rute, beginning with her standing in a dreamy white gown against a stunning backdrop. A heartfelt voiceover guides viewers through the emotional day, one filled with tears, laughter, and celebration, as Diogo and Rute shared the moment with their three kids, and closest loved ones.
Just five days ago, he also shared photos from the big day, writing, 'June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.'
Heartbroken fans flood Diogo Jota's final post with messages of love
What was meant to mark the beginning of a new chapter has now become a digital memorial, as fans from around the world flood the comments with tributes, broken hearts, and messages of condolence. Many have pointed out the painful irony that Jota's last public words were about a moment of happiness that came just days before tragedy struck.
One user wrote, 'Diogo Jota's final tragic Instagram post was a video from his wedding day with his wife, whom he married less than two weeks ago. Why is life so cruel?' Another added, 'This was Diogo Jota's last post on Instagram 20 hours ago before his tragic accident. May God give his family and friends the strength to bear this pain.'
An Instagram user mentioned, "Brother... I really never thought I was going to do this, but this is the saddest comment I have ever made.... Rest well, lad! I'm still in shock!" "Rest in peace; thank you for all the incredible moments. We will not forget you, Diogo," added one user.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his final message of love live on in the hearts of those he left behind.
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