Rute Cardoso, the wife of footballer Diogo Jota, may not be a household name, but her unwavering support has been pivotal in his career. From their beginnings in Portugal to his rise in the English Premier League, her influence has been profound yet understated.

Born in 1996 in Porto, Rute first crossed paths with Diogo during their school days. What began as a friendship blossomed into a committed relationship that lasted 12 years before they tied the knot.

Diogo's dedication to football saw him transition from Pacos de Ferreira to FC Porto, then to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and ultimately Liverpool. Throughout these changes, Rute stood steadfastly by his side, celebrating every achievement and navigating every challenge.

Rute exemplifies the role of an unsung hero, consistently supporting Diogo through all of life's ups and downs. In August 2020, they shared the joyful news of expecting their first child, a son named Denis, born in February 2021. Their family expanded in March 2023 with the arrival of their second child, and a third child is expected in November 2024. While Diogo pursued his football ambitions, Rute embraced her role as a mother with elegance, managing the household.

After a decade of companionship, the couple celebrated their marriage on June 22, 2025, in a private ceremony in Porto. However, just ten days later, tragedy struck. On July 3, 2025, Diogo and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a tragic car accident in Spain, caused by a tire blowout that led their Lamborghini to crash on the A-52 highway in Zamora, resulting in a devastating fire.