Diogo Jota's Portugal team-mate shares heartfelt tribute to Liverpool icon after title win

Diogo Jota's widow Rute Cardoso has shared a heartfelt tribute from FC Porto goalkeeper and captain Diogo Costa during the club's title-winning celebrations. The footballing world was left devastated in July last year when Jota and his brother Andre tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Spain. Jota had been making his way back to Liverpool for pre-season training following minor lung surgery in Porto. He had initially intended to fly back to the UK but, on the advice of medical professionals, chose to return by ferry from Santander instead. The heartbreaking loss came just days after the Portuguese forward had wed his long-term partner Rute, with whom he had three children. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page On Saturday, Porto faced Alverca in Liga Portugal knowing that a draw or victory would be enough to clinch their 31st league title, following dropped points from both Sporting Clube de Portugal and Benfica. They secured a 1-0 win and, amid the post-match festivities, Costa was spotted wearing a Porto shirt bearing Jota's name and the number 19. Speaking to a reporter afterward, the Portuguese keeper said: "[This is for] our Portista [Porto fan] and dear Diogo Jota and his brother. For me, he was a national team-mate, but he also played here. "I knew he was a huge Portista and we want to dedicate this league trophy to him, his brother and their family." In a separate interview with Sport TV, Costa said: "There's so much to say, so much to remember. Our Jorge, our president, personally, Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva... It's a mix of sadness and happiness at the same time. "This morning, when I woke up, I felt, it was almost as if I knew something good was going to happen, because we deserve it and I think we did everything for it." It has been a testing 12 months for Porto both on and off the field, marked by the deaths of Jota, long-serving president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa who steered the club for 42 years, and one of its most celebrated captains and iconic figures, Jorge Costa. Jota has been an enormous loss for Liverpool, with the club stating in their latest set of accounts, published in March: "The club was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of first team player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Their deaths had a profound impact on the Club, the footballing community, and supporters around the world . "In accordance with financial reporting standards, the club expects to recognise the financial impact, including a £14.4million impairment of remaining registration costs for Diogo and other associated costs, in the reporting period ending 31 May 2026. "While this financial assessment is necessary for financial reporting purposes, it does not reflect the immeasurable personal and professional loss experienced by the club" During his time at Anfield, he claimed the Premier League , the FA Cup and the League Cup, while also lifting the Nations League on two occasions with Portugal. In the wake of his passing, Liverpool officially retired his No. 20 shirt as a mark of respect. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.