Liverpool Teammates Gather in Gondomar, Portugal, to Bid Farewell to Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva After Tragic Car Crash

Liverpool players gathered in the Portuguese town of Gondomar on Saturday to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota. The 28-year-old striker tragically died in a car accident in Spain along with his younger brother, André Silva. Among those attending the service were Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, and the club’s new manager, Arne Slot.

 They arrived late Friday to join Jota’s family and residents of his hometown at the Igreja Matriz church. Jota's recent wife, Rute Cardoso, is expected to attend with their three children. His sudden death has deeply shaken the football community. Messages of grief and condolences have poured in from fans, clubs, and political leaders around the world. Gondomar, located in northern Portugal, has seen an outpouring of emotion, with people lining the streets to pay their respects. Jota was not just a footballer to his hometown he was a local hero. 

The presence of his teammates shows how highly regarded he was within the club and how far his influence reached. His death marks a deep loss, not only for Liverpool and Portugal but also for football globally.

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The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Spanish province of Zamora. Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva were reportedly driving to catch a ferry back to the UK when their Lamborghini suddenly veered off the road. 

According to police reports, a tyre may have burst, causing the car to lose control and burst into flames. Both brothers died at the scene. Authorities have not reported signs of foul play, and the investigation is focused on the mechanical failure as a likely cause. The news of Jota’s death spread rapidly, sparking an emotional wave across the football world. 

Teammates, coaches, rivals, and fans all took to social media to share tributes. His passing also drew comments from Portuguese leaders, who highlighted his role as an ambassador for the country on the international stage. Just weeks before his death, Jota had married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso. They were raising three children together.

 The car crash ended not only a promising football career but also a young man’s journey through life with his loved ones. It is a tragedy that leaves a lasting scar in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.

Jota’s Family Requests Privacy for Funeral Service

Outside the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, members of the media were given a short briefing this morning regarding the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva.

The family has requested that the ceremony remain private, following an overwhelming turnout at yesterday’s wake, where hundreds gathered in Gondomar to pay their respects. Describing the experience as “too intense,” the family has asked for no one to enter the church during today’s service.

However, the sound from inside will be broadcast to those gathered outside. A designated area is being set up for mourners to assemble, though it remains unclear how long the service will last.

Brothers' Family and Portuguese Football Figures Arrive in Gondomar

Mourners are beginning to arrive in Gondomar ahead of the funeral service for Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva. Among the early arrivals are prominent figures from the world of Portuguese football.

Live footage shows members of the brothers' family entering the church grounds, including Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso. The funeral is scheduled to begin at 10:00 BST.

Current Portugal national team manager Roberto Martínez was seen arriving shortly after 09:00. Also present is former national team boss Fernando Santos, who handed Jota his Portugal debut. Manchester City defender Rúben Dias, a close teammate of Jota in the national squad, has also flown in to attend the service.

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Liverpool Players and Officials Arrive Carrying Wreaths

A large group of Liverpool FC players and officials has just arrived at the Igreja Matriz in Gondomar, with several carrying a striking red wreath adorned with the number 20   the shirt number worn by Diogo Jota during his time at the club.

Newly appointed manager Arne Slot was among those in attendance, leading the group as they approached the church.

Their arrival was met with warm applause from the gathered crowd. One woman was heard shouting “Força!”   the Portuguese word for “strength”   capturing the emotion and unity felt among those paying tribute.

Strong Sense of Community as Teammates Past and Present Arrive

A deeply emotional atmosphere has taken hold in Gondomar as footballers from Liverpool, Portugal’s national team, and other clubs Diogo Jota and André Silva played for arrived at the Igreja Matriz.

There is a powerful sense of unity as these current and former teammates walk in together   a testament to the bonds formed on and off the pitch. But the weight of the moment is clear; many players are visibly emotional, their grief etched across their faces as they prepare to say their final goodbyes.

The scene outside the church is somber yet dignified, with those present sharing not just in sorrow, but in the strength of community and remembrance.

Mourners Gather in Silence Outside Church and Along Side Streets

One of the most moving sights this morning in Gondomar is the sheer number of people standing in silent reflection outside the Igreja Matriz   not just in the main courtyard, but stretching into the side streets.

There’s no noise, no commotion. Just stillness.

Many of those gathered are too far from the church to hear the service being broadcast, yet they remain   heads bowed, some alone, others hand in hand   choosing simply to be present.

It’s clear that for many, hearing the words isn’t what matters. Being here, in this moment, to honour Diogo Jota and André Silva, is what truly counts.

Coffins Leave the Church

As Ave Maria played softly, the two coffins were carried out of the church. Mourners lined both sides of the doorway in silence, many with heads bowed.

Led once again by priests, the funeral procession made its way outside.

Private Burial

The coffins have now been taken to the cemetery next door, where the brothers will be laid to rest in a private burial. Family members could be seen weeping as the final moments approached.

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Diogo Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso after the funeral

United captain Bruno Fernandes pays his respects

Bishop's Message to Jota’s Children

During the funeral Mass for Diogo Jota and his brother, the Bishop of Porto offered a heartfelt message to Jota’s three young children   Dinis, Mafalda, and Duarte   who were not present at the service.

He said:

"Dear Dinis, Mafalda and Duarte, children who are not here. At this moment you are suffering immensely   or perhaps not, because you do not yet realise the full weight of it. I will pray a lot for you."

The bishop turned to the wider family, acknowledging their pain:

"Those who are suffering deeply are your mother and grandparents. To see the mortal remains of a child is an unbearable torment   and when there are two urns, there are no words. But there are feelings."

He reminded the mourners of shared grief and the example of Christ:

"We are here to say that we also suffer. We are here with you in spirit and in sorrow. It is human to cry."

"At Mass we heard how even Jesus wept at the death of a dear friend, Lazarus. But he didn’t stop at tears   he prayed and brought Lazarus back to life. That is what we now wish for your father and uncle: a new life, eternal life, in paradise."