EXCLUSIVE: Diogo Jota’s Promise to Son Found in Unused Liverpool Ticket
In a heart-rending revelation, Rute Cardoso, the widow of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, disclosed that her husband had promised to take their eldest son, Dinis, to a Liverpool match scheduled for August 2025. The unused ticket, found tucked inside Jota’s wallet after his tragic death in a car crash on July 3, 2025, has become a poignant symbol of unfulfilled dreams. Rute, speaking to a close family friend, vowed to honor the promise, saying, “We’ll still go—with his photo beside us.” The story has touched the hearts of fans, adding another layer of sorrow to the loss of the 28-year-old footballer and his brother André Silva.
The ticket, for a Premier League match against Manchester United at Anfield, was discovered among Jota’s personal effects recovered from the crash site on Spain’s A-52 highway. Jota, a devoted father to Dinis, Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024, had reportedly planned the outing as a special moment for Dinis, who at six years old is an avid Liverpool fan. “Diogo was so excited to take Dinis to the Kop,” Rute reportedly said. “He wanted him to feel the roar of the crowd, just like he did.” The wallet, singed but intact, also contained a photo of the family, further underscoring Jota’s role as a family man.
The crash, which killed Jota and André when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire, has left Rute and her children navigating a future without him. The discovery of the ticket has galvanized her resolve to keep Jota’s memory alive for their children. “Dinis doesn’t fully understand yet,” Rute told the friend, “but I’ll take him to Anfield. We’ll bring Diogo’s photo and cheer for him.” Plans are underway for a special tribute at the match, with Liverpool FC considering a moment of silence or a display of Jota’s number 20 jersey, which the club has announced will be retired in his honor.
The story has resonated deeply on X, where the hashtag #JotaTicket has trended alongside tributes to the late striker. Fans have shared messages of support, with one post, viewed over 900,000 times, reading: “Rute taking Dinis to Anfield with Diogo’s photo is the kind of strength that defines love. YNWA.” Another user shared a photo of Jota celebrating with his children on the Anfield pitch after Liverpool’s Premier League title win in May 2025, captioned, “He’ll be there in spirit.” The outpouring reflects Jota’s connection with fans, who cherished his humility and warmth off the pitch.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, in a statement on July 5, spoke of Jota’s devotion to his family, saying, “My thoughts are of a father, a son, a brother, and they belong to the family of Diogo and André Silva.” The club has reached out to Rute, offering support for her plan to attend the match. Former teammate Virgil van Dijk, who carried a floral tribute at Jota’s funeral, posted on Instagram: “Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it.” Fans are already organizing to ensure the family feels the support of the Liverpool community at the game.
The ticket’s discovery has also prompted renewed attention to Jota’s final days. He and André were traveling to Santander for a ferry to England, advised against flying due to Jota’s recent lung-related surgery. The crash, attributed to a tire blowout, remains under investigation, with police exploring whether speeding played a role. For Rute, the ticket represents a promise she intends to keep, a way to connect her children to their father’s passion for football.
Community efforts in Gondomar and Liverpool continue to honor Jota, with tributes at Anfield including scarves, flowers, and a banner reading “Diogo lives forever.” Rute’s determination to take Dinis to the match has inspired fans to pledge their own tributes, with some planning to bring photos of Jota to the August game. As Rute prepares to face Anfield without her husband, the unused ticket remains a testament to a father’s love and a family’s resilience in the face of tragedy.
