By Kwame Bediako
Family, friends, and teammates gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday morning to attend the funerals of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The two brothers tragically lost their lives in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025. The somber ceremony marked a poignant moment of mourning for the local community and the football world.
Liverpool FC players and staff were among those paying tribute, with notable figures such as Virgil van Dijk, Darwin Núñez, Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and manager Arne Slot arriving at the chapel on Friday night. They were met with applause from local residents, reflecting the deep respect and solidarity shared by the football community. The group returned on Saturday morning to attend the funeral service.
The presence of Portugal’s national team coach, Roberto Martinez, underscored the significance of the loss to Portuguese football. Both Jota and Silva were celebrated talents who had made substantial contributions to the sport nationally and internationally. Their untimely deaths have left a profound impact on teammates, coaches, and fans.
André Silva and Diogo Jota
High-profile dignitaries also paid their respects during the wake held on Friday at the Sao Cosme chapel in Gondomar. Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa were among those in attendance, highlighting the national mourning that has followed the tragedy. Their attendance emphasized the brothers’ importance not only as athletes but as beloved public figures.
As the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking loss, tributes continue to pour in from across the world of football and beyond. The funerals in Gondomar serve as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring legacy of Diogo Jota and André Silva in the hearts of many.
