Diogo Jota and Brother Laid to Rest as Football World Pays Tribute
Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were laid to rest on Saturday morning in an emotional funeral held in Gondomar, Portugal, just days after their tragic car accident in Spain.
The brothers died in the early hours of Thursday when their Lamborghini crashed and caught fire, reportedly due to a tyre blowout. Both were confirmed dead at the scene. Diogo Jota was only 27 years old and had married his partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days earlier. He leaves behind his wife and three young children.
A Day of Sadness and Support
The funeral took place at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, near Porto. Liverpool manager Arne Slot, club captain Virgil van Dijk, and several Liverpool players including Andy Robertson, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, and Curtis Jones were present to pay their respects.
Also attending were many of Jota’s Portugal teammates, such as Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandes, and João Félix, as well as former teammates, coaches, and officials. Ruben Neves, who had just played for Al Hilal in the Club World Cup the night before, travelled from Florida to serve as one of the pallbearers.
Some brought floral wreaths in the shape of football shirts, showing their love and respect for Jota.
“We Will Always Be Together” – Portugal Manager
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez described the day as heartbreaking but unifying. He told Sky Sports:
“These have been very sad days, but today we showed we are one big family. We are Portugal, and Diogo and Andre will always be with us in spirit.”
He added that the support and messages from around the world meant a great deal to the national team and to the family.
Bernardo Silva’s Emotional Tribute
Bernardo Silva, clearly moved, spoke to Portuguese broadcaster TVI about losing a friend and teammate:
“I can’t imagine the pain Diogo’s wife and children must feel.
He was a close friend and someone who always gave everything — in football and in life.”
Silva said Jota’s memory would live on through the moments they shared — team gatherings, games, and celebrations:
“He was there at my wedding. Sadly, I couldn’t make his, as I was at the Club World Cup.
But he’ll always be part of our family. He will be remembered in every team victory.”Final Goodbye
As church bells rang, the coffins of Jota and his brother were carried into the church while mourners applauded and comforted one another. After the service, they were taken to the cemetery next to the church for burial.
It was a heartbreaking goodbye to a talented player, a beloved teammate, and a devoted husband and father. The football world stands united in grief — and in remembering Diogo Jota.
