Rute Cardoso is a Portuguese woman known for her long-term relationship with Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota. Born around 1996 in Porto, she met Jota during their teenage years, and their friendship blossomed into a decade-long romance. The couple married on June 22, 2025, in Porto, just 11 days before Jota tragically passed away in a car accident.
Rute and Diogo have three children together. She has largely maintained a private life, supporting Jota’s career while raising their family. Despite her preference for privacy, she occasionally shared glimpses of their life on social media.
Tragically, on July 3, 2025, Diogo Jota and his brother AndrĂ© Silva died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain. The accident occurred when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire . Rute’s recent wedding video, shared just hours before the accident, has since become a poignant reminder of their love.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Upbringing
Rute Cardoso was born in 1996 in Porto, Portugal. Growing up in this vibrant city, she shared her formative years with Diogo Jota, whom she met during their school days. Their connection began in their early teens, laying the foundation for a relationship that would evolve over the years.
Education
Details about Rute’s formal education remain private, as she has maintained a low public profile throughout her life. However, it’s known that she attended school in Porto, where she crossed paths with Diogo. Their shared academic environment fostered a bond that would grow into a lifelong partnership.
Personal Life and Family
Relationship with Diogo Jota
Rute and Diogo’s relationship began in their teenage years. They started dating in 2013, and over the years, their bond strengthened as they navigated life’s challenges together. Despite Diogo’s rising fame in the football world, Rute remained a steadfast presence in his life, supporting him through various stages of his career.
Marriage and Children
After years of companionship, Rute and Diogo married on June 22, 2025, in a private ceremony in Porto. Their union was a culmination of over a decade of shared experiences and mutual support. Together, they have three children:
- Dinis: Born in February 2021.
- Duarte: Born in March 2023.
- Third Child: Born in late 2024 or early 2025. The name of their youngest child has not been publicly disclosed.
Their family life was characterized by warmth and togetherness, often shared through Rute’s social media posts, where she occasionally featured moments with Diogo and their children.
Career and Public Life
Professional Endeavors
Rute Cardoso has chosen to keep her professional life private. While she has occasionally shared glimpses of her personal experiences on social media, there is no public information regarding her career or professional pursuits. Her primary focus has been her family and supporting Diogo throughout his football career.
The Tragic Passing of Diogo Jota
On July 3, 2025, Diogo Jota tragically passed away in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother, AndrĂ© Silva. The vehicle they were traveling in reportedly suffered a tire blowout, leading to a fatal crash. This devastating loss occurred just 11 days after Diogo and Rute’s wedding, leaving Rute to navigate the profound grief of losing her partner and the father of their children.
Life After Loss
Coping with Grief
In the wake of Diogo’s passing, Rute has faced the immense challenge of raising their three young children while processing her own grief. The football community and fans worldwide have expressed their condolences and support, recognizing her strength and resilience during this difficult time.
Public Support and Tributes
Following the tragedy, tributes to Diogo Jota poured in from across the globe. Rute has remained largely out of the public eye, choosing to focus on her family and personal healing. Her strength has been acknowledged by many, and she continues to receive support from those who admired her and Diogo’s enduring love.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
While Rute’s personal financial details are not publicly disclosed, it’s known that Diogo Jota had an estimated net worth of $18 million at the time of his passing, accumulated through his football career and endorsements. This financial stability provides a foundation for Rute and their children as they navigate life without Diogo.
Conclusion
Rute Cardoso’s life is a poignant narrative of love, resilience, and the enduring bond between partners. Her journey with Diogo Jota, from their teenage years in Porto to their life together as a family, exemplifies a partnership built on mutual respect and shared dreams. In the face of unimaginable loss, Rute continues to embody strength and grace, navigating her path forward with the support of her children and the memories of a life well-lived with Diogo.
FAQs
Who is Rute Cardoso?
Rute Cardoso is the wife of the late footballer Diogo Jota. They married on June 22, 2025, and have three children together.
Where was Rute Cardoso born?
Rute was born in Porto, Portugal, in 1996.
How did Rute meet Diogo Jota?
Rute and Diogo met during their school years in Porto and began dating in 2013.
When did Rute and Diogo get married?
They married on June 22, 2025, in a private ceremony in Porto.
How many children do Rute and Diogo have?
They have three children: Dinis (born in 2021), Duarte (born in 2023), and a third child born in late 2024 or early 2025.
What happened to Diogo Jota?
Diogo Jota tragically passed away in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025.
How did Rute cope with Diogo’s passing?
Rute has remained largely private, focusing on her family and receiving support from the community.
What is Rute’s profession?
Rute has kept her professional life private, and there is no public information regarding her career.