Family, friends, and teammates gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday morning to pay their respects to Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva. The tragic car accident that claimed their lives occurred near Zamora, Spain, early Thursday morning. The funeral drew current and former Liverpool players, including club captain Virgil Van Dijk and manager Arne Slot, who carried red floral tributes shaped like shirts into the chapel. Van Dijk’s tribute bore the No. 20, Jota’s Liverpool number, while the other displayed No. 30, André’s number for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
Dressed in black, the Liverpool squad entered the church in silence, accompanied by applause from the crowd gathered outside. Rute Cardoso, Jota’s wife, who had married him only weeks before the accident, arrived with family members. Hundreds of Gondomar residents, where Jota grew up, gathered in support. The private service, led by Bishop Manuel Linda, was an emotional tribute to the brothers’ lives.
A Community in Mourning
The Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, addressed the grieving family with a poignant homily, emphasizing that “solidarity in love is always stronger than death.” As the service unfolded, Penafiel players carried André’s coffin, while Rúben Neves assisted with Jota’s. Jota’s wife, visibly heartbroken, followed the coffins, supported by family.
Portugal teammates, including Bruno Fernandes, João Cancelo, and Bernardo Silva, were present to honor their fallen compatriot. Silva, seen carrying flowers, expressed his grief to TVI, stating,
“I can’t even imagine the pain of the family, of Rute, of the children, of the parents. Jota was a great friend to all of us.”
Legacy of a Football Star
Jota’s career, though not the focal point of the day’s sorrow, was celebrated for its brilliance. Having made 182 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota’s achievements included a Premier League title, an FA Cup, and two Carabao Cups. Internationally, he earned 49 caps for Portugal and was part of the UEFA Nations League-winning squad.
André Silva, though less known on the international stage, was a respected player in Portugal’s lower divisions with FC Penafiel. His contributions to the sport were remembered fondly by those who knew him.
Messages of Support and Reflection
Bernardo Silva’s heartfelt words captured the essence of Jota’s impact both on and off the field.
“More important than his career, as a person… the memories that remain… Jota will remain in our hearts forever,”
he shared. Silva’s reflections highlighted the deep bonds formed through shared experiences, from national team gatherings to personal celebrations.
Jota and Rute’s recent marriage in Porto on June 22 was a testament to their enduring love, having known each other since childhood. Bishop Linda offered a special message to Jota’s three young children, who were absent from the service.
“Dear Dinis, Mafalda, and Duarte… I will pray a lot for you. The ones who suffer the most are your mother and grandparents,”
he said, acknowledging the family’s profound loss.
An Outpouring of Tributes
As news of the tragedy spread, tributes poured in from around the world. Thousands of fans traveled to Anfield Stadium to pay their respects to Jota, a player whose influence extended beyond the pitch. The Liverpool delegation’s presence at the funeral underscored the club’s support for Jota’s family during this difficult time.
The loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva leaves a void in the hearts of their loved ones and the football community. As the Liverpool squad and fans continue to mourn, the memories of Jota’s passion and determination will serve as a lasting legacy. The No. 20 jersey, already significant, now carries an even deeper meaning, symbolizing a life celebrated and a friend dearly missed.