'I'll never forget' – Diogo Jota's tragic final Instagram post days before death

Irish Daily Mirror

03-07-2025

Diogo Jota's final Instagram post, celebrating a day he would "never forget," has taken on a tragic significance following his untimely death.
The Liverpool striker had shared a video of his wedding day just days before a fatal car accident, captioning it: "A day we will never forget," accompanied by a heart emoji.
The images depict the footballer and his wife, Rute Cardoso, on their extravagant wedding day. The pair, who have been together since 2012 and share three children, exchanged vows in June.
Supporters showered the couple with compliments and well-wishes, but the happiness was short-lived as news broke of Jota's death in a car crash in Spain at the age of 28. His brother has also passed away.
In the poignant Instagram post, Jota and Cardoso are seen standing before a church altar with their children. One snapshot shows the newlyweds exiting the ceremony, Cardoso clutching a bouquet of flowers, as they're enveloped in a flurry of confetti. They captioned the post: "June 22, 2025. Yes to forever."
Reacting to the heartbreaking news, the Portuguese national football team expressed their devastation over Jota's passing, praising him not only as an exceptional player with nearly 50 caps for the national side, but also as an extraordinary individual respected by team-mates and rivals alike, reports the Express.
President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proenca, released a tribute, saying: "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 Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women's European Championship.
"Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy."
Spanish authorities reported that Jota was discovered deceased alongside Silva after their vehicle veered off a road near Zamora in northwest Spain, with no other vehicles implicated in the accident.
A statement from the emergency services read: "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.
"1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident.
"From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene."
Liverpool's statement read: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."