In the haunting aftermath of unimaginable loss, Rute Cardoso – widow of Portuguese football star Diogo Jota – has spoken about one of the most treasured moments of their 13-year love story: the day he proposed. In an exclusive interview, the 28-year-old shared her emotions, torn between joy and grief: “If I could go back, I’d still say ‘Yes, I do.’ But there’s one thing I regret – something I never managed to do for him.”

Her words have left fans wondering: what was the promise she left unfulfilled?

A Fairytale by the Lake

The proposal came in July 2022, at a quiet lake near their hometown of Porto. As the sun set, Diogo knelt down and offered a sparkling diamond ring to the girl he had loved since they were 13. “It was magical, like something from a fairytale,” Rute recalled. The photos that followed – his wide smile, her tearful embrace – captured the depth of their bond.

Their love began in the hallways of a secondary school in Gondomar. Diogo, the quiet teenager chasing football dreams, grew into a Liverpool star, while Rute pursued marketing and became an influencer focused on family and wellness.

Together, they welcomed three children: Dinis in 2021, Mia in 2023, and João in 2024. Marriage was postponed until the time felt right, and finally, on June 22, 2025, they married in Porto. It was a beautiful ceremony, with teammates and family celebrating as they vowed “until death do us part.”

Tragedy Strikes Eleven Days Later

On July 3, 2025, Diogo and his brother André Silva were killed in a horrific car crash in Spain, after a high-speed tire blowout triggered a fire. The football world was shaken. For Rute, her wedding vows became cruelly literal just eleven days later.

One month on, she posted a heartbreaking tribute: “1 month of our ‘until death do us part.’ Forever, your white girl.” Alongside wedding photos, the post left fans in tears.

The Promise Left Unkept

Now, Rute has revealed the regret that torments her: Diogo’s lifelong dream of opening a youth football academy in Gondomar for underprivileged kids. “He spoke about it all the time. We planned to start once life settled down. But with moves, children, commitments… we kept putting it off. Now I wish I had made it happen for him.”

For Diogo, who had quietly donated to local charities and youth teams, the academy was more than a project – it was part of his legacy.

Turning Grief into Action

Determined to honor him, Rute is now working with local authorities, Liverpool FC, and the Portuguese FA to launch the Diogo Jota Youth Academy. “This is how I’ll keep him alive. The children will know his heart through this place. It’s not just about football – it’s about his values: perseverance, family, giving back.”

At home in Liverpool, Rute’s days revolve around her children. Four-year-old Dinis asks about his father’s games, while Mia and João bring innocent distraction. Friends like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah visit, reminding her of Diogo’s passion for the academy.

“That day by the lake was perfect. I’d say yes a thousand times. But now, my yes is making his dream come true.”

For Rute Cardoso, rebuilding is not about forgetting – it’s about completing what they started. And in doing so, she ensures Diogo Jota’s legacy will live forever.