Diogo Jota’s widow has paid a touching tribute to the late Liverpool star ahead of the family’s first Father’s Day without him.
Jota died in a car crash in north-western Spain last July, alongside his brother Andre Silva, 25.
The tragedy occurred just weeks after Jota, 28, had married Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
Rute offered a tribute to Jota ahead of Father’s Day in Portugal, which falls on March 19.
The 29-year-old completed a 10 kilometre Father’s Day race in their home city Porto and wore the race number 20 – referencing Jota’s Liverpool shirt number.
’20+♾️, Father’s Day race,’ Rute wrote on social media.
Diogo Jota’s widow Rute Cardoso paid tribute to the late Liverpool star ahead of Father’s Day
Rute completed a 10 kilometre Father’s Day race in Porto in a tribute to her late husband
Rute wore the race number 20, referencing Jota’s squad number at Liverpool
Rute received several supportive messages in response from football fans, with one Liverpool fan referencing the club’s motto in the comment ‘You’ll Never Run Alone’.
She completed the course in a time of 52 minutes and seven seconds.
Rute had previously completed the Sao Silvestre do Porto, another 10km race, wearing the No20.
On that occasion she posted the caption ’20+10′, referencing both Jota’s number and the distance she had covered.
A number of touching tributes have been made in memory of Jota since his tragic passing.
Liverpool retired Jota’s No20 shirt across all teams in the summer.
Supporters have continued to honour their former hero by singing his song on the 20th minute at every home game this season.
Liverpool’s owners FSG also committed to looking after Rute and their three children.
Rute shared images from the race on social media and added the caption ’20+♾️, Father’s Day race’ in a tribute to Jota
This commitment included confirming they would honour the entirety of his Liverpool contract.
The contract, which was reported to be worth in the region of £140,000 per week, was due to expire in 2027.
Two of their three children had appeared as mascots when Jota’s former clubs Liverpool and Wolves met in the Premier League back in December.
Fans from both teams paid heartfelt tributes to Jota throughout the game, with Rute offering her thanks to both sets of supporters post-match.
‘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,’ she wrote on Instagram following the match.
‘Your messages and gestures have meant more than words can express.’
Jota had been an important player last season as Liverpool claimed their 20th league title, contributing 10 goals for Arne Slot’s side.
