Liverpool forward Diogo Jota was laid to rest alongside his younger brother, André Silva, in an emotional funeral ceremony held on Saturday at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Portugal, following their tragic deaths in a car crash in Spain.
Jota, 28, and Silva, 26, died in the early hours of Thursday after their Lamborghini crashed and caught fire on the A-52 in Zamora, Spain.
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It is believed they were en route to catch a ferry back to England, where Jota was due to report for Liverpool’s pre-season training. Just 11 days earlier, Jota had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
Football world mourns together
The funeral drew hundreds of mourners, including grieving family members, friends, fans, and a large contingent from the football world. Jota’s wife Rute and their children were joined by teammates, coaches, and international colleagues in a powerful show of unity and respect.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and teammate Andy Robertson were seen carrying floral tributes into the church, alongside manager Arne Slot and players including Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez, Ryan Gravenberch, and Conor Bradley.
A host of Portuguese national team players also attended the ceremony, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, João Félix, Nelson Semedo, João Moutinho, Rui Patrício, Renato Veiga, and Ruben Neves—who served as a pallbearer for Jota after flying in from Florida following Al Hilal’s Club World Cup match.
Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, and Porto president André Villas-Boas were also in attendance.
A church bell tolled solemnly as the brothers’ coffins were carried into the church, with emotional supporters applauding and comforting each other. Some players brought wreaths shaped like football shirts in tribute.
Tributes from coaches and teammates
Speaking outside the church, Portugal manager Martinez said, “They are really sad days, but today we have shown we are a very large, but close family. It was essential for us to come together. Andre Silva and Diogo Jota will always be with us, and their spirit will live on forever.”
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva added, “Jota was more than a teammate; he was a friend. His passion and will made him the player he was, but it was his character that made him so special to all of us. He will forever be in our hearts.”
After the church service, the brothers were buried in the cemetery adjacent to the church. On Friday, a wake was held at the Capela da Ressurreição in Gondomar, attended by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and the brothers’ parents.
Anfield in mourning
Outside Anfield, Liverpool fans created a sea of floral tributes, while the club postponed the start of pre-season and closed club stores and museum tours out of respect. Flags were flown at half-mast, and staff were offered wellbeing support.
