Football World Mourns as Portugal Holds Funeral for Diogo Jota

The Portuguese football community and global sports icons gathered on Saturday, July 5, 2025, to bid farewell to Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who tragically lost their lives in a fatal car crash just two days earlier in Spain.

The emotional funeral took place at the Mother Church of Gondomar, near Porto—Jota’s hometown. The service was officiated by the Bishop of Porto, and saw a moving turnout from friends, relatives, teammates, fans, and top dignitaries, including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, Porto club president André Villas-Boas, and super-agent Jorge Mendes.

A Nation United in Grief

Diogo Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, were reportedly driving to the Spanish port city of Santander to catch a ferry to England when their vehicle veered off a motorway and was engulfed in flames. The accident occurred just days after Jota’s wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.

The tragic loss has reverberated far beyond Portugal’s borders. Liverpool FC lowered flags to half-mast and opened a book of condolences, while outside Anfield, fans laid out a sea of Jota jerseys, flowers, and heartfelt tributes.

“Football is truly in mourning. Diogo was an icon of the talent Portuguese football represents,” said Pedro Proenca, head of the Portuguese Football Federation.

A Star Remembered, a Legacy Etched

Many of Jota’s teammates past and present were in attendance, including Bruno Fernandes, João Cancelo, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, and Renato Veiga. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota in 2020, said he was “heartbroken,” while his successor, Arne Slot, called it an “unimaginable loss.”

At the Diogo Jota Football Academy near Gondomar SC, where his career began, fans created a growing memorial of candles, scarves, shirts, and messages. One child’s handwritten note simply read: “Thank you, Diogo Jota.”

Jota’s schoolmate, Pedro Neves, remembered him as “very friendly, very courteous… someone who always had a smile on his face.”

Global Tributes Pour In

The tragedy also drew recognition at the FIFA Club World Cup in Orlando, where a minute of silence was held during a quarter-final between Fluminense and Al Hilal.

Reports suggest Jota had opted for a ferry trip to the UK instead of flying, following a recent lung operation—a detail that adds a haunting layer to the story.

Mohamed Salah, Jota’s Liverpool teammate, admitted the news had left him “frightened” to return to training. The club has since postponed its pre-season activities to mourn and provide support.

Rest in Peace, Diogo and André

Mourners, many of whom sobbed openly, carried wreaths and followed the coffins in a solemn procession. Jota’s grandfather had to be supported by family members as he attended the service.

With Portugal and the world still reeling, one thing is clear—Diogo Jota’s legacy as a gifted footballer and beloved figure is forever etched in hearts across the globe.