Ahead of Father's Day in Portugal on 19/3, Rute Cardoso participated in a 10 km run in her hometown Porto. She wore bib number 20, the jersey number associated with her late husband, Diogo Jota, at Liverpool. Cardoso completed the distance in 52 minutes and 7 seconds, dedicating the run to Jota's memory.

Rute shared a series of photos on social media with a concise caption: "Number 20 and eternal love on Father's Day run", she wrote. The post received many encouraging messages from fans, with one fan commenting "You’ll Never Run Alone", a variation of Liverpool’s motto "You’ll Never Walk Alone".

Diogo Jota and Rute Cardoso had three children. Photo: *Instagram / rutecfcardoso14*.

This was not her first tribute run. Previously, Rute participated in the Sao Silvestre do Porto race, again using number 20 and posting the caption "20+10", referencing Jota’s jersey number and the distance she conquered.

Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died while driving from Portugal to Spain to catch a ferry to England on 3/7/2025. The car reportedly had a tire blowout before swerving off the road and catching fire. Jota was traveling by car on his doctor’s advice to avoid flying – a measure to prevent pressure on his lungs after a recent surgery. The tragedy occurred just weeks after the 28-year-old forward married Rute. Jota and Rute, both 28 years old, had known each other since high school and had three children.

Following Jota’s sudden passing, numerous tributes were organized. Liverpool decided to permanently retire the number 20 jersey across all its teams. Fans continue to sing a chant dedicated to him in the 20th minute of every home game this season. The club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group, also pledged support for Rute and her three children, including paying out Jota’s entire remaining contract, valued at approximately USD 18,7 million, equivalent to USD 187,000 per week.

In 12/2025, two of Jota’s three children appeared as mascots (holding players’ hands as they walked onto the field) when Liverpool faced Wolves in the English Premier League. Fans of both teams shared many touching moments of remembrance during the match, and Rute later expressed her gratitude. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank the club and all the fans for your love, respect, and support during this incredibly difficult period. Your messages and gestures mean more than any words", she wrote.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)