Rute Cardoso, the widow of Diogo Jota and mother of his three children, has written a moving letter to Scotland captain Andrew Robertson, thanking him for remembering Jota and for carrying his memory forward as Scotland prepared for the World Cup. Published by Fifa, the letter reflects on the friendship between Jota and Robertson, describing the two players as sharing battles, laughter, conversations about football and the dream of reaching the World Cup together.
In the letter, Cardoso says Jota often spoke about Robertson and the bond they built on and off the pitch. She writes that their shared World Cup ambition was one of those dreams they nurtured side by side with the same passion they showed during matches. Her message responds to Robertson’s words after Scotland qualified for the tournament, which she said made her feel that Jota had never truly left the game.
Cardoso says that by securing a place at the World Cup, Robertson will not be going alone because he will also be taking Jota’s dream with him. She expresses the belief that when Robertson steps onto the pitch, Jota will be present in his thoughts, his steps and his heart. The letter presents Jota’s memory not only as a source of grief, but also as a source of strength, unity and inspiration.
She thanks Robertson for not forgetting Jota and for transforming the pain of loss into something meaningful and beautiful. Cardoso says that in her own home, the family tries to live with that same spirit every day. She adds that Jota would be deeply proud of Robertson and encourages him to cherish the dream and live it both for himself and for Jota.
The letter is a personal tribute to the late Portuguese forward, highlighting the lasting impact he had on teammates and friends. It also underscores the emotional significance of Scotland’s World Cup qualification for those connected to him, turning a sporting milestone into a shared act of remembrance.
