Robertson and Jota’s bond grew during their years together at Liverpool, shaped by dressing-room conversations, battles on the pitch and a shared love of the game.
The possibility of appearing at a World Cup was something they discussed, making Scotland’s qualification especially poignant for Robertson. Jota had missed Portugal’s involvement at the 2022 tournament through injury, but the dream remained part of the friendship between the two players.
For Robertson, reaching the finals is therefore not simply a personal achievement or a landmark for Scotland, who are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Cardoso’s letter was filled with grief, gratitude and pride. She told Robertson that Jota often spoke about him and that their friendship remained deeply important.
“Valorize esse sonho, Andy. Viva-o por você e por ele,” Rute wrote.
She also said Robertson had “nunca realmente deixou o campo” - that he had never truly left the field - and insisted he would not walk into the tournament alone.
Robertson described Rute as “incrível” and said the message would stay with him for a long time. He has spoken of remembering Jota through both laughter and tears, a reminder that this campaign will carry an emotional weight far beyond results.
Scotland’s captain now has the chance to turn a private promise into a public tribute. Every appearance in 2026 will be watched through that lens, with Robertson representing his country while carrying his friend’s dream alongside his own.
When Scotland step onto the World Cup stage, the next chapter of Jota’s story will be written in the moments Robertson creates there.