Andy Robertson Shares Emotional Letter from Diogo Jota’s Widow as Scotland Prepares for World Cup Return Andy Robertson has revealed an emotional letter from Diogo Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, as he prepares to lead Scotland’s national team in their historic World Cup campaign. The letter, shared as part of a feature on FIFA’s social media channels, reflects the deep bond between the late Portuguese forward and the Scottish defender, who were close friends during their time at Liverpool. Jota, who died in a car accident in July 2024 at the age of 28, had been a central figure in Robertson’s thoughts as Scotland secured their first World Cup qualification in nearly three decades. The letter, written by Cardoso, emphasizes the shared dreams of the two players and the enduring impact of Jota’s legacy. “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,” it reads. The widow highlights how Jota and Robertson had regularly discussed their aspirations for the World Cup, a goal they had both cherished despite the challenges of their careers. “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,” she writes. Cardoso also acknowledges Robertson’s recent emotional journey as Scotland qualified for the tournament, noting how Jota’s memory remains a driving force. “When you step onto the pitch, I know it won’t be just you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart,” she adds. The letter concludes with gratitude for Robertson’s efforts to honor Jota’s legacy, stating, “Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and into something so beautiful.#liverpool #andy_robertson #world_cup #diogo_jota #rute_cardoso
Diogo Jota's Widow Urges Andy Robertson to Carry His Dream to the World Cup Diogo Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, has expressed deep gratitude to Scotland captain Andy Robertson for honoring her late husband’s legacy by pursuing his dream of competing in the World Cup. The letter, published by FIFA, reflects the profound bond between the two former Liverpool teammates, who played together from 2020 to 2025. Jota, who died at 28 in a car crash last July, had been a key figure in Portugal’s World Cup qualification campaign but was unable to participate in the 2022 tournament due to a calf injury. His absence left a void, which Robertson has since filled by leading Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998. Jota’s death marked the end of a promising career. The forward earned 49 caps for Portugal but never reached a World Cup final. His widow’s letter, shared by FIFA, emphasizes the shared aspirations of Jota and Robertson. “Diogo often spoke of you,” Cardoso wrote, highlighting their friendship and mutual dreams of playing at the global stage. She described how Jota and Robertson had envisioned the World Cup as a shared goal, a vision that now lives on through Robertson’s qualification. “You won’t be going alone,” she wrote, assuring that Jota’s spirit would accompany him. Robertson, who joined Tottenham after leaving Liverpool, has publicly acknowledged the emotional weight of Jota’s absence. In a heartfelt statement, he said, “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.” The defender, who was filmed reading the letter, described the memories of Jota as a constant presence.#andy_robertson #fifa #world_cup #diogo_jota #rute_cardoso
