Diogo Jota's wife attends Ballon d'Or ceremony as Virgil van Dijk watches emotional Liverpool tribute

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota passed away after a car accident during the off-season

The life and career of former Liverpool player Diogo Jota has been remembered with a special tribute at Monday night's Ballon d'Or ceremony. His widow, Rute Cardoso, was in attendance at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

In the early hours of July 3, Jota was killed alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident when travelling through the Zamora region of Northern Spain. In the months since there has been an outpouring of love for the two footballers, plus support for their family and former colleagues.

The latest act of remembrance has come in the form of a tribute and message to the Liverpool star's family during the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony to crown the best men's and women's players of the year.

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"This summer the football family was left in shock when we learned of the passing of Diogo Jota, who lost his life alongside his brother, Andre Silva," said host Kate Scott.

Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit added: "Jota was a fan favourite who gave everything for his club and his nation, and was loved by his teammates, and supporters. Together, let us remember them."

A video reel then played showing highlights of the two Portuguese stars' best moments of their careers, plus the tributes that have been paid to them on-field in the months since their passing. Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker looked emotional as they applauded with the rest of the crowd, as did Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal star Joao Neves.

Afterwards, Scott said: "We do know that their family are actually here with us this evening so we would just like to say we are so sorry for your loss."

Cardoso, who had married her long-term partner Jota only 11 days before his tragic passing, had been spotted arriving at the venue with Liverpool's cohort in attendance.

That included Reds head coach Arne Slot, who was nominated for the Johan Cruyff Trophy for best men's coach of 2025, and his coaching staff. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was with them, as were Van Dijk and Alisson.

The captain placed 28th in the top 30 for the Ballon d'Or, which was confirmed in the hours before the ceremony, meanwhile the goalkeeper was up for the Yashin Trophy for the best men's goalkeeper of 2025.

Mohamed Salah remained in contention for the big award with the top 10 to be announced live during the ceremony. According to Egyptian outlet winwin, Salah snubbed the ceremony without an explanation as of yet.

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