Diogo Jota’s Wife Was Seen Leaving the Morgue Holding His Phone — But the Lockscreen Revealed Something That Made Her Collapse
The tragic death of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash on July 3, 2025, has left their family and the football world in profound grief. Among the most heart-wrenching moments was an incident at the morgue in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain, where Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, was seen clutching his phone. The phone’s lockscreen, displaying a poignant image, reportedly caused her to collapse in anguish. This article delves into this emotional moment, the circumstances of the crash, and the ongoing impact on Jota’s family and community.
The Crash That Shook the Football World
Diogo Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, died in the early hours of July 3, 2025, when their Lamborghini Huracán veered off the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Spain, and burst into flames. Spanish police reported that a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver likely caused the crash, with initial suggestions of speeding. Jota, advised against flying due to a recent pneumothorax surgery, was traveling with André to Santander to catch a ferry to England for Liverpool’s pre-season training. The brothers’ deaths, just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, have left a void in their family and the football community.
The Morgue Incident
On July 4, 2025, Rute Cardoso was called to the morgue in Puebla de Sanabria to identify the remains of her husband and brother-in-law, a task that required psychological support due to its emotional weight. As reported by Portuguese media, Rute was handed Jota’s personal effects recovered from the fire, including his phone, which miraculously survived the blaze. As she held the phone, the lockscreen illuminated, revealing a photo from their wedding on June 22, 2025, showing Rute in her gown and Jota beaming beside her. The caption “Yes to forever” accompanied the image, a poignant reminder of their recent vows. Overwhelmed by the sight, Rute collapsed, supported by her sister and football agent Jorge Mendes, who were present at the morgue.
This moment encapsulated the raw grief of a woman who had married her high school sweetheart just weeks earlier. Rute and Jota, together since 2013, had shared a life filled with love, raising three children: Denis, Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024. The lockscreen image, a symbol of their joy, contrasted sharply with the tragedy, amplifying Rute’s devastation.
The Family’s Ordeal
Rute’s role in identifying the brothers’ remains was prompted by the inability to confirm their identities through the car’s license plate, which was destroyed in the fire. A relative’s report of the brothers’ failure to arrive in Benavente led to the discovery of the crash. Rute, accompanied by family and Mendes, faced the harrowing task of confirming the loss, with specialist counselors provided to support her. The funeral on July 5 in Gondomar, Portugal, saw Rute leaning on Jota’s coffin, visibly distraught, as teammates like Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson carried floral tributes.
The Football Community’s Grief
Jota’s death has reverberated across the football world. A key player for Liverpool since 2020, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. His final match was Portugal’s Nations League triumph on June 8, 2025. Tributes from Cristiano Ronaldo, who called the loss “senseless,” and Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who described Jota as “the essence of a Liverpool player,” reflect his impact. Fans have called for his number 20 shirt to be retired, a rare honor, while moments of silence were observed at matches worldwide.
In Gondomar, the brothers’ hometown, the community gathered in droves for the funeral, with locals like Fábio Silva praising their humility. Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martínez, spoke of the nation’s unity, saying, “Diogo and André’s spirits will be with us forever.”
The Investigation and Questions
The crash investigation continues, with police examining tire marks indicating a blowout and possible speeding. The emotional toll on Rute and her children underscores the human cost of the tragedy. The lockscreen photo, a private symbol of love, has become a public emblem of loss, shared in media reports and resonating with fans. Rute’s collapse at the morgue highlights the personal devastation behind the headlines, as she faces raising three young children without their father.
A Lasting Legacy
As the football world mourns, Jota’s legacy endures through his family and achievements. Rute is expected to inherit up to £35 million, ensuring financial stability, but the emotional void remains. Liverpool fans continue to leave tributes at Anfield, and the club has promised ongoing support. The lockscreen image, a fleeting glimpse of happier times, serves as a reminder of Jota’s love for his family and his infectious joy, as noted by the Portuguese Football Federation. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on honoring Jota and André, with the football community united in grief and remembrance.