Letters That Unite by FIFA: Andrew Robertson letter from Rute Cardoso
03/06/25, Diogo Jota unfortunately passed away in a fatal car crash, and his wife Rute Cordoso wrote this letter to his former teammate, Andrew Robertson. Rute Cardoso wrote a very heart warming letter to former team mate of Jota, Andrew Robertson as the Scott prepares for his upcoming World Cup in the USA. She said: “Andy, I’m writing to you with a heart full of longing gratitude and above all pride. Diogo (Jota) 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. The FIFA 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. When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified for the FIFA World Cup after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch. By achieving that moment and securing your place at the FIFA World Cup, you won’t be going alone; you’ll be taking his dream with you too and 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.” Rute Cardoso can’t thank Robertson enough for being that perfect teammate to Jota, always being there for Diogo and always remembering Jota and being a big help for the family and want’s Robertson to fully live his World Cup dream with Scotland. She added: “So today I want to thank you. Thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and into something so beautiful. That’s how we do it here at home too, every day. He would be — and is — incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him. With love, gratitude and all my support, Rute Cardoso.” Andrew Robertson was amazed by the heart whelming letter by Cardoso and can’t explain how good of a person Rute is and how much the letter means to him, with the fact that letter will always remain by his side forever. Speaking with FIFA, Robertson said: “It’s obviously amazing of Rute to even take the time, you know, for what she’s going through, to write me a letter — but it just sums up the person that she is. Thankfully, I got to know her and the amazing times that they had. Obviously, I’d been to their wedding, celebrated trophies with her and Jots. But yeah, and obviously I’ve seen how heartbroken we all were, but in particular her, when obviously Jots left us. Just, thank you. That letter, you know, will stay with me for a very long time. And we’ve just got to carry him with us. We will always make sure that his name will never be forgotten, that his memories will always be cherished like Rute says in there — the dreams that we’d shared of trying to be at the FIFA World Cup. Obviously, the 2022 FIFA World Cup was when me and Jots really became close. He missed out because of injury. Obviously, Scotland never qualified. And I think we just spoke so much about what it would mean to us both to be at the next FIFA World Cup, and that was the aim for both of us: to get to America. And, yeah, obviously, I’m just gutted that, you know, that was taken away from him. But I think, you know, obviously 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, you know, hopefully beyond that. And, yeah, he’s always there. He’s always something we think about. The memories are always something that we bring up and sometimes laugh, sometimes cry. And, you know, I think that will be no different — especially going into a tournament which is full of emotion. I know he’ll be right at the front of my mind. And, yeah, but I’m not only just playing for me, I’m playing for both of us.” Diogo Jota will forever be missed dearly within the football community and remembered fondly. Gone but never forgotten. WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_zhL2HJtJY&t=31s
SNN Sports is proud to announce the return of its highly anticipated Legends & Legacy Gala Dinner 2026
Football Legends Unite for Mental Health at SNN Sports Legends & Legacy Gala Dinner 2026 Glasgow, Scotland – SNN Sports is proud to announce the return of its highly anticipated Legends & Legacy Gala Dinner 2026, taking place on Friday 10 July 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow. Bringing together football legends, supporters, business leaders, and members of the wider sporting community, the evening will celebrate the power of football while raising vital funds and awareness for Men Matter Scotland, a charity dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and suicide prevention across Scotland. The black-tie event promises an unforgettable night of football stories, inspiration, entertainment, and fundraising, featuring an impressive lineup of guests including former football stars Billy Davies, Bobby Petta, and Maurice Ross, alongside former Scottish and international players. Guests will also hear from Steven Sharp, whose powerful story of resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity has inspired countless people both within and beyond football. Additional guest speakers and football personalities will be announced in the coming weeks. The evening will be hosted by respected football figures Gordon Smith and Gerry McDade, who will guide guests through a programme designed to deliver honest conversation, memorable stories, and meaningful discussion around the challenges often faced behind the scenes in professional sport. Guests attending the gala will enjoy: Drinks reception on arrival Three-course dinner Exclusive guest interviews and Q&A sessions Live entertainment Charity auction featuring unique prizes and experiences Fundraising raffle Opportunities to network with football personalities, sponsors, and supporters While football remains at the heart of the event, the evening’s deeper purpose is to support the life-changing work carried out by Men Matter Scotland. Funds raised will contribute directly to mental health services, outreach programmes, and safe spaces that help men facing difficult circumstances. CEO Lee Anderson said: “The Legends & Legacy Gala Dinner is about much more than football. It’s about bringing people together, sharing real stories, and using the platform that football provides to make a genuine difference. Mental health affects families, friends, colleagues, and communities across Scotland, and Men Matter Scotland does incredible work supporting those who need help most. We’re honoured to welcome some fantastic names from the world of football, but what makes this evening special is the opportunity to raise awareness, raise vital funds, and create conversations that can have a lasting impact. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the football and business communities for what promises to be a memorable and meaningful night.” With attendance expected from across Scotland’s football and business communities, organisers are encouraging supporters to secure their places early. Ticket Information Individual Ticket: £85 Table of 10: £800 (saving £50) Event Details SNN Sports Legends & Legacy Gala Dinner 2026 Date: Friday 10 July 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – Midnight Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, G3 8QT Sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses wishing to support the event and align their brand with one of Scotland’s most meaningful football fundraising evenings. For sponsorship enquiries: asha@snnsports.co.uk Tickets are available now and early booking is strongly recommended due to limited availability. Ticket Link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/snnsports/2199675 About SNN Sports SNN Sports is one of Scotland’s fastest-growing independent sports media platforms, delivering interviews, breaking news, features, podcasts, and exclusive content to millions of football fans across Scotland and beyond. Through events such as the Legends & Legacy Gala Dinner, SNN Sports continues to use the power of sport to support communities and causes that make a real difference.
