GONDOMAR, Portugal — Liverpool FC players gathered alongside family, friends, and fellow athletes in Portugal on Saturday for the funeral of their teammate Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who tragically died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday.
The funeral service was held at Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar, the town where Jota owned a home and began his football journey.
Among the attendees were Portugal’s national team coach Roberto Martínez and top Portuguese footballers, including Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias of Manchester City, and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United.
“Their loss has deeply shaken the football world,” one mourner told local media.
A Tragic Accident
Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, were found dead early Thursday morning after their Lamborghini crashed and caught fire near Zamora, in northwestern Spain. The brothers were reportedly on their way to catch a boat to England, where Jota was scheduled to rejoin Liverpool’s preseason training after his summer break.
Spanish police are investigating the incident. While no other vehicle was involved, authorities suspect the crash may have been caused by a tire blowout.
A Life and Career Cut Short
The bodies of the brothers were repatriated to Portugal and a wake was held on Friday. Jota’s death comes just two weeks after he married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso during his vacation. The couple had three children, including a baby born last year.
“He was not only a brilliant footballer, but a loving father and husband,” said a family spokesperson.
Jota, born in Porto, began his football journey in Gondomar, playing at local clubs before rising through the ranks to play for top-tier teams and making a name for himself at Liverpool.
His younger brother André also played football in the lower divisions, having spent time at Penafiel.
Football World Pays Tribute
The tragic deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from clubs, fans, and officials across the world.
“The entire Liverpool family is heartbroken. Diogo was not only a talented player but a cherished teammate,” said Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a brief statement.
The football community continues to mourn the devastating loss of the two brothers, remembered not only for their talent but their warmth and humility.