Breaking News: Rute Cardoso Thanks Liverpool After Her Sons Serve as Mascots

Rute Cardoso, the wife of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Liverpool FC and its supporters after her two sons served as mascots during the Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. The touching gesture, which took place on Saturday, brought an emotional moment for the family, the fans, and the wider football community.
In a moving social media post, Cardoso shared her deep appreciation for the support shown by the club and its supporters. She wrote: “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. Your messages and gestures have meant more than words can express.” The post was accompanied by images of her sons, Dinis and Duarte, walking onto the pitch, creating an emotional scene that resonated with thousands of fans both in the stadium and around the world.
The moment was particularly poignant given the tragic circumstances surrounding the Jota family. Diogo Jota passed away unexpectedly in July, leaving behind his wife and three children. The young couple’s children have since become symbols of resilience and courage, representing the personal side of grief experienced by the family while honoring the memory of their father. Saturday’s match was the first time Liverpool faced Wolves since the tragedy, adding further significance to the gesture.
Dinis and Duarte walked out onto the pitch alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, wearing Liverpool shirts with their father’s iconic No. 20 on the back, a number that has been retired by the club in his memory. The crowd at Anfield responded with applause, while fans united in a hushed rendition of the club’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The touching tribute not only highlighted the family’s courage but also showcased the profound sense of community and solidarity within the football world.
Liverpool FC played an active role in arranging the mascots’ participation, ensuring the event provided comfort and joy to the children while allowing them to honor their father’s legacy. Cardoso’s message emphasized how much these gestures meant to her family, highlighting the importance of compassion and support during times of unimaginable loss.
The match itself was intense, with Liverpool emerging as 2–1 victors against Wolves. Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz brought excitement on the pitch, while Gravenberch celebrated his goal with Diogo Jota’s trademark “baby shark” gesture, a touching nod to the late forward’s influence on the team. Fans also honored Jota in the 20th minute of the match, corresponding to his squad number, with chants of his name reverberating across Anfield.
Rute Cardoso’s emotional post has been widely shared, drawing messages of support from fans, players, and former teammates. The event demonstrated the strength and resilience of the Jota family, the enduring impact of Diogo Jota’s career, and the unwavering support of the Liverpool community.
This emotional tribute at Anfield will be remembered as a testament to the unity, compassion, and respect that football can inspire, and a powerful reminder that the bonds forged through sport extend far beyond the pitch.
The family’s public gratitude underscores the role that football clubs and fans can play in offering comfort during times of grief, leaving an enduring mark on both the team and its supporters.