Last updated on July 8, 2025
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As their coffins were carried into Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, the church bell tolled and mourners—many in tears—embraced each other.
Image credit: Tolu
The funeral of Diogo Jota and his younger brother, Andre Silva, was held on Saturday morning in Gondomar, near Porto, drawing heartfelt tributes from footballers, family, and fans.
Jota, a father of three, had just married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, 11 days before the crash.
He and Andre lost their lives when the Lamborghini they were travelling in reportedly suffered a tyre blowout and burst into flames in Spain.
As their coffins were carried into Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, the church bell tolled and mourners—many in tears—embraced each other.
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Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk, and several first-team players including Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Joe Gomez, and Cody Gakpo were present.
Former teammates and club officials also paid their respects.
As their coffins were carried into Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, the church bell tolled and mourners—many in tears—embraced each other.
Image credit: POOJA!!!
Portugal’s football community came out in full support.
National team stars Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, João Félix, Nelson Semedo, João Moutinho, Rui Patrício, Renato Veiga, and Ruben Neves attended.
Neves, who flew in after playing in the Club World Cup for Al Hilal, served as a pallbearer.
Some players arrived carrying wreaths shaped like football shirts.
The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow, but also unity.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez described the day as one that reflected “a very large but close family.” He added, “Their spirit will be with us forever.”
Bernardo Silva also delivered an emotional tribute, recalling Jota’s loyalty, energy, and impact—not just on the pitch but in their shared moments with the national team.
“He was always there—at team meals, card games, PlayStation battles. His memory will stay with us in every win,” Silva said.
Following the church service, the coffins were taken to the adjoining cemetery.
On Friday, family and friends gathered at the Capela da Ressurreição for a private wake.
Among the mourners were Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and Jota’s agent.
Outside, fans held order-of-service sheets featuring Jota smiling in his Liverpool shirt, forming a heart symbol with his hands.
Thousands of tributes have also been left at Anfield, Wolves, and Porto.
Flags at Anfield were lowered, club stores closed, and players’ return for pre-season was postponed.
Liverpool and clubs across Europe shared condolences online.
The accident occurred at around 12:40 a.m. Thursday on the A-52 in Zamora, Spain.
Authorities suspect a tyre blowout caused the crash, with speeding also under investigation.
No other vehicles were involved.
As the football world mourns the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother, one message echoes through every tribute: They will never walk alone.
