Liverpool players attend funeral of Diogo Jota in Portugal

Nazira Yusuf
Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson carry flowers at the funeral of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
Credit: Atlantico

Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva, were laid to rest on Saturday morning in Gondomar, Portugal, following their tragic car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The Liverpool forward and his sibling were travelling in northern Spain when their vehicle was involved in a fatal collision that has left the football world in deep mourning.

The funeral took place at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar (Mother Church of Gondomar) at 10am (BST). The service was attended by family, close friends, and a delegation of Liverpool FC players and staff, who arrived visibly emotional as they said goodbye to their teammate and friend.

The family had requested privacy for the ceremony following an intense public wake the day prior, where hundreds gathered to pay their respects. To accommodate the wider public, audio from the private service was broadcast through speakers outside the church, with a designated space set up for mourners.

A statement shared with the press confirmed:

“The family wants the ceremony to be private. Yesterday’s wake was too intense.”

A large group of Liverpool representatives, including current and former players, as well as club officials, travelled to Portugal for the funeral. Captain Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson led the squad, arriving with a floral tribute bearing Jota’s iconic number 20.

Other attendees from the club included Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Darwin Núñez, Federico Chiesa, Ibrahima Konaté, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, sporting director Richard Hughes, and CEO of football Michael Edwards were also present.

Liverpool were also represented at Friday’s wake by their sporting director Hughes and his assistant, David Woodfine, while a delegation from Fenway Sports Group were also present, including Edwards and technical directors Julian Ward and Pedro Marques. Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcântara attended alongside his wife Julia, as did Manchester City stars and Portugal teammates Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias.

The emotional arrival of the Liverpool players was met with applause and support from gathered mourners outside the church in what was a powerful and heartbreaking moment as it wasn’t long ago these players were celebrating together with their former team mate and friend winning Liverpool 20th Premier League title in front of a jubilant Anfield Stadium.

Saudi Pro League Al-Hilal duo João Cancelo and Rúben Neves, who were in the United States for a Club World Cup quarter final fixture just 12 hours earlier, also made the journey to Portugal, highlighting the deep respect and admiration Jota commanded both players were involved in a minute silence before their fixture and were unable to hold back tears.

At times like this club rivalries are non existent Jota’s international colleagues Manchester City’s Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva, as well as Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot attended with the Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez and Nottingham Forest’s Nuno Espírito Santo, who managed Jota at Wolves

While many members of the Liverpool squad were able to attend in person, goalkeeper Alisson Becker was unable to travel from Brazil, where he is currently with his family. Alisson, who tragically also missed his own father’s funeral during the pandemic in 2021, shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Attendees were handed orders of service that had photographs of the brothers on the front, Jota’s taken from playing for Liverpool, celebrating a goal by making a heart shape with his hands.

There was applause from the crowds when the bell tolled as the coffins made the journey into the church. Neves, who played with Jota for Porto, Wolves and Portugal, was one of the pallbearers

During the service, the Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, delivered a touching eulogy.

“I could say a lot about Diogo and Andre, their father prayed in the church and both Diogo and Andre made it [as professional footballers] because of their effort, their dedication, their sacrifices. They were very respectful to others, both local fathers and quiet and dedicated to their families.

“Extraordinary people, they were. That is why so many people are here. Two responsible, serious men of faith, known all over the world because of sport.

“They were very skilled football players, particularly Diogo and in their case, this church did a lot to promote their sports. Football brings people together and builds bridges between different people when it is done with honesty, values, discipline, team work, no ego, respect, peace and understanding. These are the values of sports.

“We are speaking to you (Jota’s children) because we are so sad to see children crying when this is the reason. But our friend Jesus said those who aren’t sensitive will not be in heaven.

“I would like to express my support to your mother, your family and Jesus is here to help us. Your father and uncle are beside Jesus in this new life, in peace. May Jesus comfort you with faith and hope.”

Jota was not only a talented forward but a beloved teammate, father, husband, and friend. His brother André, who played for Portuguese second tier side Penafiel, was also remembered with admiration and love. The loss of the two brothers has united the footballing world in grief, and the depth of mourning seen in tributes, tears, and moments of silence across matches reflects the profound impact they had both on and off the pitch.

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