Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva were laid to rest on Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto, following a fatal car accident that has left the football world in mourning.
The pair died on Thursday when their car veered off a motorway in northwestern Spain and burst into flames. The tragedy occurred barely a week after Jota’s wedding to his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. Hours before the crash, the 28-year-old had shared a video of their June 22 wedding celebration.
Emotional Farewell
The funeral ceremony, held in Gondomar and officiated by the Bishop of Porto, drew a host of mourners from across the football community and beyond. National teammates including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Danilo Pereira, and Joao Felix attended, as did Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez. Notably, team captain Cristiano Ronaldo was absent.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk carried a red floral wreath shaped like a Liverpool shirt with Jota’s number 20. He was joined by several club teammates, including Darwin Núñez, and new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot at a wake on Friday evening.
Condolences from Leaders and Legends
Expressions of sympathy poured in from across the political and sporting spectrum. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, and Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes were present, alongside Porto president Andre Villas-Boas — a poignant nod to Jota’s early career with FC Porto.
Pedro Proença, head of the Portuguese Football Federation, called Jota “an icon of Portuguese football,” while former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota in 2020, said he was “heartbroken.” Current manager Arne Slot added, “We owe it to Diogo to stand together and be there for one another.”
A Nation and Club in Mourning
Friday’s wake began with close family and friends, including Jota’s grief-stricken parents and grandfather, who had to be helped into the chapel. Mourners arrived with wreaths, many in tears. Later, the public was allowed to pay their respects.
Outside Anfield, fans created a sea of tributes: flowers, jerseys, scarves, and balloons surrounded a sign reading “Rest in Peace, Diogo Jota.” Liverpool FC lowered flags to half-mast and opened a book of condolences.
At the Diogo Jota Football Academy near Gondomar SC — where his football journey began — a growing memorial featured candles, scarves, and a handwritten note from a child: “Thank you, Diogo Jota.”
Tributes Across the Globe
At a concert in Cardiff, British rock band Oasis dedicated “Live Forever” to Jota, marking their return to touring after 16 years. A minute’s silence was observed at Friday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal between Fluminense and Al Hilal in Orlando, and again at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying matches.
Final Journey
Portuguese and British media reported that Jota was driving to the port of Santander, Spain, to catch a ferry to England for Liverpool’s pre-season, having been advised against flying following a recent lung operation.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah said the tragedy had left him “frightened” to return to the club. The Premier League champions have since postponed the return of some players to training out of respect.
“Gone Too Soon”
Jota’s school friend Pedro Neves remembered him as “friendly, courteous, and always smiling,” adding, “He left us too young. It’s not fair — but that’s how life is sometimes.”