The funeral for Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva was held in Portugal on Saturday morning. Jota’s wife and family were joined by several Liverpool players, including head coach Arne Slot and team captain Virgil van Dijk, following the tragic car crash in Spain that claimed both brothers’ lives.
Diogo Jota’s Wife, Family, and Liverpool Teammates Attend Emotional Funeral in Portugal
Diogo Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and family were joined by Liverpool players at the funeral of the late forward and his brother, André Silva, held in Gondomar, Portugal, following their tragic deaths in a car crash in Spain.
Jota, a father of three, had married his longtime partner just 11 days before the fatal accident. He and his brother died after the Lamborghini they were traveling in reportedly suffered a tyre blowout, veered off the road, and burst into flames in the early hours of Thursday.
On Saturday morning, the coffins of both brothers were carried into the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church near Porto, accompanied by somber mourners. A church bell tolled, and the crowd applauded in tribute as the procession entered, with some attendees seen holding each other in grief.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot led a delegation of players paying their respects, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Darwin Núñez, and Joe Gomez.
Also in attendance at the funeral for the Portugal international were several of his national teammates, including Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), João Félix and Renato Veiga (Chelsea), Nélson Semedo (Wolves), João Moutinho, Rui Patrício, and Rúben Neves. Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, FC Porto president André Villas-Boas, and Portugal manager Roberto Martínez were also present to pay their respects.
Diogo Jota’s Funeral: Family, Friends, and Football Community Gather to Say Final Goodbye
Diogo Jota was laid to rest in an emotional ceremony attended by family, friends, and football colleagues, including several Liverpool players and members of the Portuguese national team. His brother, André, who also died in the crash, was buried alongside him.
Midfielder Rúben Neves served as one of the pallbearers, flying in from Florida after representing Al Hilal in the Club World Cup quarter-final. Some players arrived carrying wreaths shaped like football shirts in a powerful tribute.
Portugal national team manager Roberto Martínez, speaking to Sky Sports News, described the moment as one of deep sorrow:
“These have been incredibly sad days, but today we’ve shown we are a large, united family. We are Portugal, and the spirit of Diogo and André will remain with us always.”
Manchester City and Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva also paid a heartfelt tribute:
“I can’t imagine the pain their family is going through. Jota wasn’t just a brilliant footballer, but a beloved friend. His energy, passion, and warmth made him unforgettable. Though I missed his wedding due to Club World Cup duty, he was at mine. He’ll be with us in every match, every memory.”
After the funeral service at the São Cosme Chapel in Gondomar, the coffins were carried to a nearby cemetery. Mourners gathered outside, holding service sheets featuring a smiling image of Jota in his Liverpool kit. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and Jota’s agent also attended the service.
A wake was held the day before, with long lines forming outside the chapel. Liverpool Football Club postponed the return of their players for pre-season in respect. Fans left a sea of floral tributes at Anfield, and the stadium’s flags were lowered to half-mast. Club stores, tours, and museums were temporarily closed, and staff were offered emotional support.
The fatal crash occurred early Thursday morning on the A-52 near Palacios de Sanabria, Spain. Local authorities believe a tyre blowout during overtaking may have caused the Lamborghini to veer off the road, crash, and ignite. A government source confirmed that speed is also being investigated. No other vehicles were involved.
Jota’s passing has left a profound void in the football world, with tributes pouring in globally for a player celebrated not only for his talent but also for his kindness, humility, and enduring spirit.
