In a heartbreaking twist of fate, the football world continues to mourn the loss of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, just 11 days after Jota’s fairytale wedding to his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso. Among those reflecting on the joyous occasion that preceded this tragedy is renowned Portuguese chef Miguel Almeida, who crafted the culinary experience for the couple’s unforgettable wedding day. Almeida, a celebrated figure in Porto’s culinary scene, has shared his deep impressions of Jota and revealed a poignant quote from the footballer that went viral, encapsulating the love and joy of that fleeting moment.

A Wedding to Remember

On June 22, 2025, Diogo Jota and Rute Cardoso tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in their hometown of Porto, Portugal. The event, held in one of Porto’s most picturesque Renaissance churches, was followed by a lavish reception at a castle nestled in the hills outside the city. Chef Miguel Almeida, known for his work with Michelin-starred restaurants and high-profile events, was entrusted with creating a menu that matched the grandeur of the occasion. The wedding was a celebration of love, family, and Jota’s remarkable journey from a local boy to a Premier League and Nations League champion.

Almeida, in an exclusive interview with Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã, described the atmosphere as “electric with love and hope.” He recalled Jota’s infectious energy, noting how the footballer personally greeted him and his team, expressing gratitude for their efforts. “Diogo was not just a star on the pitch; he was a gentleman off it,” Almeida said. “He had this warmth that made everyone feel like family. You could see how much he cherished Rute and their children.”

The chef’s menu featured a fusion of traditional Portuguese dishes and modern culinary artistry, including seafood from the Douro River, slow-roasted Alentejo lamb, and a dessert inspired by Porto’s famous pastéis de nata, tailored to the couple’s tastes. Almeida shared that Jota and Rute were deeply involved in the planning, with Jota insisting on a menu that reflected their roots. “He wanted the food to tell their story,” Almeida noted. “Every dish was a nod to their shared journey, from Porto to Liverpool.”

The Viral Quote That Captured Hearts

During the reception, Jota took to the microphone to address the gathered family and friends, delivering a heartfelt toast that would later resonate across social media. As recounted by Almeida, Jota turned to Rute and said, “My dream came true the day I met you, but today, you made me the luckiest man alive.” The words, simple yet profound, were met with cheers and tears from the guests, and Rute responded with a beaming smile, later posting on Instagram: “My dream came true 🤍,” to which Jota replied in the comments, “But I’m the lucky one 😍.”

This exchange, shared on social media just days before the tragic accident, went viral, amassing millions of views and likes. Fans and followers flooded the posts with messages of love, unaware that these would become some of Jota’s final public words. Almeida, reflecting on the moment, said, “That quote wasn’t just words—it was Diogo’s heart laid bare. You could feel the love between them. It’s devastating to think that joy was so short-lived.”

A Lasting Impression

Almeida’s memories of Jota extend beyond the wedding day. He recalled a moment during the planning process when Jota visited his kitchen to sample dishes. “He was so down-to-earth,” Almeida said. “He sat with us, laughed, and talked about his kids and his love for Porto. He even joked about trying to cook for Rute one day, but said he’d leave it to me for the wedding!” The chef described Jota as someone who radiated humility despite his fame, a quality that made him beloved by those who knew him personally.

The wedding, attended by Jota’s teammates, family, and friends, was a celebration of a love story that began when Diogo and Rute were just 13 years old, meeting in high school in Porto. The couple, who share three children—Dinis, Duarte, and Mafalda—had chronicled their journey on social media, from their teenage romance to their life in Liverpool. Almeida noted the presence of their children at the wedding, describing how Jota carried his sons on his shoulders during the reception, a moment captured in now-heartbreaking photos.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Jota’s death, alongside his brother Andre Silva, in a Lamborghini crash in Cernadilla, Spain, sent shockwaves through the football world. The accident, caused by a tyre blowout while overtaking, occurred just hours after Jota shared a video of the wedding on Instagram, captioning it, “A day we will never forget.” The tragedy has left Rute, their children, and the football community grappling with an unimaginable loss.

Almeida, who attended a memorial service for Jota and Andre in Porto, expressed his grief: “To see such joy turn to sorrow in just 11 days is heartbreaking. Diogo’s love for Rute and his family was so clear that day. I hope those memories bring them some comfort.” He added that he plans to honor Jota by creating a special dish inspired by the wedding menu, with proceeds going to a charity in Jota’s name.

A Legacy of Love and Joy

As Liverpool FC and fans worldwide continue to honor Jota’s legacy, the memories of his dream wedding serve as a bittersweet reminder of his vibrant spirit. Chef Miguel Almeida’s reflections and the viral quote from that day encapsulate the love that defined Jota’s life, both on and off the pitch. For Rute, Dinis, Duarte, and Mafalda, the outpouring of support from fans, teammates, and even those like Almeida who shared in their joy ensures that Diogo Jota’s light will continue to shine.

At Anfield, where Jota’s No. 20 shirt has been retired, and at Molineux, where Wolves inducted him into their Hall of Fame, his legacy endures. Almeida’s final words echoed the sentiment of millions: “Diogo wasn’t just a footballer—he was a man who loved deeply and lived fully. That’s how we’ll remember him.”