Rute Cardoso Remembers Diogo Jota’s Heartfelt Tribute to Luis Díaz
Rute Cardoso, the widow of late footballer Diogo Jota, has moved fans by revisiting one of the most touching moments of her husband’s career — his emotional tribute to teammate and friend Luis Díaz. Sharing the memory on her Instagram stories, Rute reflected on the gesture that once symbolized Jota’s compassion and unity within the Liverpool squad.
Exactly two years ago, in 2023, Luis Díaz faced one of the darkest moments of his life when his father, Luis Manuel Díaz, was kidnapped in Colombia. The abduction was later confirmed to have been carried out by the National Liberation Army (ELN), a guerrilla group operating in the region. The incident sent shockwaves through the football world, prompting widespread support for Díaz from teammates, clubs, and fans across the globe.
During that difficult period, Diogo Jota stepped forward to show his solidarity in a deeply emotional way. In a Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, the Portuguese forward scored a goal for Liverpool — and immediately lifted Díaz’s number 7 jersey in front of the Anfield crowd. The gesture was a public show of empathy and brotherhood, one that resonated far beyond the pitch. The image of Jota holding up the jersey quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of football fans worldwide as a symbol of friendship, unity, and compassion in sports.
On Instagram, Rute Cardoso shared this viral moment as part of a memory that resurfaced on the platform, reminding followers of her late husband’s kindness and humanity. Alongside the repost, Rute added a simple but emotional caption, highlighting how much that moment still means to her and those who loved Jota.
The reappearance of this memory comes just months after Diogo Jota’s tragic death in a car accident in early July. The accident also claimed the life of his brother, André Silva, who was a professional footballer as well. The news of their deaths devastated the football community, prompting tributes from players, clubs, and fans around the world who remembered Jota not only as a talented athlete but also as a generous and humble person.
At the time of Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, many members of the Liverpool squad — including James Milner and Jordan Henderson — attended to pay their respects. However, Luis Díaz was notably absent from the ceremony. Reports suggested that Díaz chose not to travel to Portugal, a decision that sparked widespread criticism, particularly from fans who recalled Jota’s earlier gesture during Díaz’s family crisis.
Fueling the controversy further, several influencers shared videos showing Díaz appearing relaxed and cheerful on the same day Jota’s funeral took place. Many fans and commentators on social media viewed this as disrespectful, especially considering the close bond between the two players and the emotional support Jota had shown just two years earlier.
Despite the criticism, some defended Díaz, suggesting that his absence could have been due to personal reasons or scheduling conflicts. Nonetheless, the contrast between Jota’s selfless act of support and Díaz’s perceived indifference reignited emotional conversations among fans about loyalty, gratitude, and friendship in football.
Today, Luis Díaz continues his career at Bayern Munich and remains a key player for the Colombian national team. Meanwhile, Rute Cardoso continues to honor Diogo Jota’s legacy by sharing moments that reflect who he was beyond the pitch — a loving husband, a devoted brother, and a compassionate teammate.
Her recent Instagram post serves as a reminder not just of a beautiful act of friendship, but also of the lasting impact of Diogo Jota’s kindness. Even in his absence, his actions continue to speak volumes — a testament to a man whose heart for others was as great as his talent for the game.
