The widow of former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota has publicly thanked the club and its supporters following an emotional tribute at Anfield this weekend. Rute Cardoso's two sons, Dinis and Duarte, led the teams out as mascots before Liverpool's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
An Emotional Return to Anfield
The fixture marked the first meeting between Liverpool and Wolves – the two clubs Jota represented in England – since the 28-year-old Portugal international and his 25-year-old brother, André Silva, died in a car crash in Spain earlier this year. The tragic accident occurred as Jota was travelling back from north-western Spain to begin pre-season training with Liverpool.
Before the 3pm kick-off on Saturday, Jota's two eldest children enjoyed a kickabout on the Anfield pitch with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, watched by their mother from the stands. The family, including their younger sister who was born last November, were guests of the club for the match, which Liverpool won 2-1.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Rute Cardoso wrote: 'From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the club and to all the fans for the love, respect and support shown during this incredibly difficult time. Your messages and gestures have meant more than words can express.'
Klopp's Touching Tribute and Ongoing Support
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolves for an initial £41 million in 2020, paid a moving tribute to his former player in The Observer on Saturday. Klopp described Jota as 'humble and authentic' and 'the supporters' representative on the pitch', recalling his passionate reaction to scoring a winning penalty against Leicester City after taking exception to chants about poverty in Liverpool.
Current Liverpool boss Arne Slot used his programme notes to express hope that the enduring affection for Jota could bring his family solace during their first Christmas without him. The club's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have committed to honouring the remainder of Jota's contract, reportedly worth around £140,000 per week, for the benefit of Rute and their three children. The forward had two years left on his deal at the time of his death.
A Lasting Legacy at Both Clubs
Tributes to Jota were evident throughout the afternoon. Fans from both sides paid their respects, with Wolves supporters laying a wreath and the Anfield crowd singing Jota's song in the 20th minute, as has become tradition this season. Wolves manager Rob Edwards and his players visited the striking mural of Jota outside Anfield on Boxing Day.
Jota's impact at both clubs was significant. After helping Wolves achieve promotion to the Premier League, he scored 44 goals in 131 appearances for the Molineux side before his move to Merseyside. At Liverpool, he won the Premier League title, FA Cup, and League Cup. Liverpool retired his No.20 shirt across all teams last summer as a permanent mark of respect.
The family are expected to attend the return fixture at Molineux on March 4, continuing the shared remembrance between two clubs united in grief for a player cherished by both.
