Thousands gathered in Gondomar, near Porto, to pay final respects to Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre, who died in a car crash in northern Spain on Thursday.
The funeral service took place at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in the brothers’ hometown, with the ceremony held privately for family while crowds gathered outside the chapel for an informal vigil throughout Friday night.
High-Profile Attendance
Liverpool sent a substantial delegation including manager Arne Slot and players Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Wataru Endo. The group was applauded by locals as they entered the chapel.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson travelled from the Netherlands for the service, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, now at Real Madrid, had already honoured his former teammate with a minute’s silence in Spain.
Portugal’s football establishment was represented by national team coach Roberto Martinez, former coach Fernando Santos, and Portuguese Football Federation officials.
Liga Portugal president Reinaldo Teixeira attended alongside current and former players including Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), and Nelson Semedo.
Family Tragedy
Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, whom he married on June 22, was heartbroken, as she arrived at the chapel. The couple had been together since their teenage years and had three children, including a daughter born only a few months ago.
The player’s parents, Joaquim and Isabel, along with their grandfather, received support from extended family and friends throughout the ceremony.
Accident Details
According to official reports, Jota’s vehicle veered off course due to a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, causing it to overturn and catch fire. The 28-year-old striker and his 25-year-old brother Andre Silva, who played for Penafiel in Liga Portugal 2, died at the scene.
The brothers were traveling from Portugal to Santander, Spain, where Jota planned to board a ferry to Portsmouth ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season preparations. Portuguese media reported Jota chose road and sea travel to avoid cabin pressure due to recent lung surgery following a Nations League injury.
Career Legacy
Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and contributing to UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League title win last season.
Liverpool announced that Jota’s number 20 jersey will be retired in his honor. The club described his death as devastating for the entire Liverpool family.
National Impact
The tragedy has prompted widespread mourning across Portuguese football. President Marcelo Rebelo attended the funeral, reflecting the national significance of the loss.
Bodies were identified at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Zamora, Spain, after family members recognized personal belongings recovered from the crash site.
The private ceremony concluded a period of public mourning that began Thursday when news of the accident first broke, sending shockwaves through the international football community.
Brothers in life, brothers in death. Diogo and Andre, departed this life together in a double heart rending loss, deeply human and impossible to believe.
