Photos of Diogo Jota’s wife leaving the morgue: she had to identify the bodies after the tragic accident.

Just eleven days after marrying Diogo Jota, Rute Cardoso’s life changed forever. The young woman, mother of the Portuguese striker’s three children, was one of the first people to arrive in Zamora, Spain, after the traffic accident that claimed the lives of her husband and brother-in-law, André Filipe Teixeira da Silva.

Both brothers were burned to death after their Lamborghini went off the road and burst into flames on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, in the province of Zamora. The accident occurred in the early hours of the morning when, according to preliminary reports, one of the tires may have exploded while attempting an overtaking maneuver.

An unexpected farewell: from the wedding to the forensic examination

Cardoso, visibly shaken, had to take on one of the toughest tasks of her life: confirming the identity of the bodies in the morgue of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Zamora. According to local media, although attempts were made to obtain fingerprints, Spanish authorities also requested DNA evidence, which will be processed in Madrid as part of legal protocol.

The scene outside the school was deeply emotional. Rute was captured by the media in complete shock, surrounded by family members and psychologists sent by the Castile and León regional government, which activated an emotional support team for loved ones who had been rushed from Portugal.

Homecoming: Portugal prepares to bid them farewell

Following the autopsy and the corresponding formalities, Diogo and André’s bodies were transported in funeral vehicles to Gondomar, their hometown. Upon arrival, dozens of people gathered near the local chapel and, amid tears and applause, paid a heartfelt tribute.

The wake will be held this Friday, while the funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Mother Church of São Cosme, Gondomar. A large farewell is expected, not only out of affection for both young men, but also because of the impact the news has had throughout Europe.

A family marked by sport and now by tragedy

Diogo Jota, 28, built a solid career at clubs such as FC Porto, Atlético Madrid, and Wolverhampton before establishing himself at Liverpool in 2020. He was a key player in Jürgen Klopp’s team and also shone for the Portuguese national team, where he recently celebrated winning the Nations League.

His brother André, 25, also followed suit in the world of professional football, playing for Futebol Clube Penafiel, a team in the Portuguese Second Division.

The world of sports was quick to react with displays of affection, respect, and solidarity. Teammates, coaches, fans, and international football figures have expressed their sorrow at the sudden and tragic loss of the brothers.

A grief that transcends borders

What began as an overland journey—possibly for medical and family reasons—ended in a tragedy that has left its mark not only on Portugal but on the entire international football scene. The grief has been profound and collective, as Jota represented much more than goals: he symbolized effort, humility, and love for his family.

Rute Cardoso, amidst the greatest pain, has shown a moving fortitude. Her role in this process has been as difficult as it has been courageous. The story of this couple, who just days ago celebrated the beginning of a new chapter together, is now marked by a farewell that should never have come so soon.