Andy Robertson Shares Emotional Letter from Diogo Jota’s Widow: “Diogo Will Be With You” | World Cup 2026

Andy Robertson has shared a deeply emotional letter from Diogo Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, as he prepares to lead Scotland at their first World Cup in nearly 30 years. Robertson and Jota were close friends and Liverpool teammates before Jota died in a car accident last July at the age of 28. The tragedy left a lasting impact on Robertson, who said Scotland’s World Cup qualification brought Jota strongly to mind, especially because the two had often spoken about reaching football’s biggest stage together.

As part of a feature on FIFA’s social media channels, Robertson read Cardoso’s letter publicly. In it, she thanked him for remembering Jota and for carrying his dream forward. She wrote that Jota had often spoken about his friendship with Robertson, their conversations about football, their shared battles on the pitch, and the World Cup dream they both nurtured with the same passion. Cardoso said that when she heard Robertson’s reaction to Scotland’s qualification, she felt that Jota had “never truly left the pitch.”

Her letter said that by reaching the World Cup, Robertson would not be going alone, but taking Jota’s dream with him too. She added that when he steps onto the field, Jota will be with him in his thoughts, his steps and his heart. Cardoso thanked Robertson for not forgetting her husband and for turning grief into strength and something beautiful. She said that is how their family continues to live each day, and that Jota would be proud of Robertson.

Robertson, who attended Jota’s wedding, was visibly moved by the message. He said it was incredibly kind of Cardoso to write to him while dealing with her own grief, and he praised her character and strength. He said the letter would stay with him for a long time and stressed that Jota’s name and memories will always be cherished. Robertson added that the pair had shared the dream of playing at a World Cup, and that he will carry Jota with him as Scotland return to the tournament stage.

The exchange highlighted the bond between the two footballers and the enduring emotional impact of Jota’s death. For Robertson, Scotland’s World Cup comeback is now tied not only to national achievement, but also to the memory of a friend whose dream he intends to honour.