‘Diogo will be with you’ – Jota’s widow writes to Robertson

'Diogo will be with you' - Jota's Widow Writes to Robertson

Diogo will be with you - Diogo Jota, the Portuguese winger who died at 28 in a tragic car accident last July, left an enduring legacy on the pitch and in the hearts of his teammates. His widow, Rute Cardoso, has shared a heartfelt message to Scotland's captain, Andy Robertson, expressing how deeply Jota’s spirit remains connected to his dreams of World Cup glory.

A Bond Beyond the Game

Cardoso, who is also the mother of Jota’s three children, penned a touching letter published by Fifa, reflecting on the close relationship between Jota and Robertson. The pair played together for Liverpool from 2020 to 2025, sharing both triumphs and trials on the field. Jota had hoped to participate in the 2022 World Cup but missed it due to a calf injury, a fact that lingered in conversations between the two friends.

"Diogo often spoke of you. Of the friendship you built, the battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughter, the conversations about football... and about dreams," Cardoso wrote. "The World Cup was one of those dreams, a dream that the two of you nurtured, side by side, with the same passion with which you took to the pitch."

Robertson's Emotional Commitment

After Scotland secured their place in the World Cup in November, Robertson expressed his emotional connection to Jota’s memory. "I couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today," he said. "We spoke so much about going to the World Cup because he missed the last one with Portugal and I did with Scotland. I know he'll be smiling over me today."

Robertson, now with Tottenham Hotspur, shared the letter publicly, calling it a "beautiful reminder" of Jota’s presence. "I'll carry him in my heart and I know he'll be with me come the first game, come the second game, come the third game and hopefully beyond that," he added. "He's always there. The memories are always something that we bring up and sometimes laugh, sometimes cry."

World Cup Journey Begins

The 2022 FIFA World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, marks Scotland's return to the global stage after 24 years. The team will face Haiti in their opening match, followed by Morocco on June 19 and Brazil on June 24, all in Group C. Robertson’s emotional journey to the tournament is now intertwined with Jota’s unfulfilled aspirations, as he carries his teammate’s dream into the competition.

Cardoso concluded her letter by acknowledging Robertson’s efforts: "That's how we do it here at home too. Every day. He would be, and is, incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him."

Robertson’s words, combined with Cardoso’s message, highlight a profound sense of unity and shared purpose. As Scotland steps onto the World Cup stage, the memory of Diogo Jota will echo through their efforts, ensuring his spirit lives on in every match.