Diogo Jota’s Widow Pens Emotional Letter to Andrew Robertson Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The widow of late Portugal forward Diogo Jota has written a heartfelt letter to Scotland captain Andrew Robertson, urging him to carry her husband’s memory onto football’s biggest stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in July 2025 at the age of 28, played a key role in helping Portugal secure qualification for the tournament. However, he never got the chance to fulfil his dream of featuring at a World Cup.
The Liverpool forward missed the 2022 tournament through injury and had been preparing for what would have been his first appearance on the global stage.
Robertson, one of Jota’s closest friends during their years together at Liverpool, had previously spoken about the dream they shared of playing at a World Cup.
Widow Reflects on Special Friendship
In a moving letter published by FIFA, Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, expressed her gratitude to Robertson for keeping her husband’s memory alive and reflected on the deep friendship the two players built over the years.
“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,” she wrote.
“The World Cup was one of those dreams, a dream that the two of you nurtured side by side.”
Cardoso said that when Robertson leads Scotland onto the pitch at their first World Cup since 1998, he will be carrying more than just his own ambitions.
“You’ll be taking his dream with you too. And when you step onto the pitch, I know it won’t just be you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.”
Robertson Promises to Honour His Friend
The Scotland captain responded emotionally, admitting that Cardoso’s words would stay with him throughout the tournament.
“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,” Robertson said.
“He’s always there. The memories are always something that we bring up and sometimes laugh, sometimes cry.”
The Liverpool defender added that his World Cup journey would now carry even greater meaning.
“I’m not only just playing for me. I’m playing for both of us.”
Scotland Prepare for Historic Return
Scotland will make their first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades when they compete in the 2026 tournament. Drawn in Group C alongside Haiti, Morocco and Brazil, Robertson will lead his nation onto the world stage while carrying the memory of a friend whose dream was never fully realised.
For the Scotland captain, the tournament represents more than a personal milestone—it is also an opportunity to honour Diogo Jota and the dream they once shared together.
