Arsenal
Diogo Jota and his youthful brother André Silva, have been laid to relaxation on Saturday morning in Gondomar, Portugal, following their tragic automotive accident within the early hours of Thursday morning.
The Liverpool ahead and his sibling have been travelling in northern Spain when their automobile was concerned in a deadly collision that has left the soccer world in deep mourning.
The funeral befell at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar (Mom Church of Gondomar) at 10am (BST). The service was attended by household, shut pals, and a delegation of Liverpool FC gamers and employees, who arrived visibly emotional as they mentioned goodbye to their teammate and good friend.
The household had requested privateness for the ceremony following an intense public wake the day prior, the place a whole bunch gathered to pay their respects. To accommodate the broader public, audio from the personal service was broadcast via audio system outdoors the church, with a delegated house arrange for mourners.
An announcement shared with the press confirmed:
“The household needs the ceremony to be personal. Yesterday’s wake was too intense.”
A big group of Liverpool representatives, together with present and former gamers, in addition to membership officers, 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 quantity 20.
Different attendees from the membership 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 soccer Michael Edwards have been additionally current.
Liverpool FC Former and Present Gamers have arrived at Matrix Church Church in Portugal for Diogo Jota’s and Andre Silva Funeral.
Captain Virgil Van Dijk and Andy Robertson carried floral tributes bearing the numbers 20 and 30 in honour of Jota and his brother André Silva. pic.twitter.com/oWo6tInoc7
– Nazira Yusuf (@nazira_yusuf22) July 5, 2025
Liverpool have been additionally represented at Friday’s wake by their sporting director Hughes and his assistant, David Woodfine, whereas a delegation from Fenway Sports activities Group have been additionally current, together with Edwards and technical administrators Julian Ward and Pedro Marques. Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcântara attended alongside his spouse Julia, as did Manchester Metropolis stars and Portugal teammates Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias.
The emotional arrival of the Liverpool gamers was met with applause and help from gathered mourners outdoors the church in what was a robust and heartbreaking second because it wasn’t way back these gamers have been celebrating along with their former group mate and good friend profitable Liverpool twentieth Premier League title in entrance of a jubilant Anfield Stadium.
Saudi Professional League Al-Hilal duo João Cancelo and Rúben Neves, who have been in the US for a Membership World Cup quarter ultimate fixture simply 12 hours earlier, additionally made the journey to Portugal, highlighting the deep respect and admiration Jota commanded each gamers have been concerned in a minute silence earlier than their fixture and have been unable to carry again tears.
At instances like this membership rivalries are non existent Jota’s worldwide colleagues Manchester Metropolis’s Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva, in addition to 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
Whereas many members of the Liverpool squad have been capable of attend in particular person, goalkeeper Alisson Becker was unable to journey from Brazil, the place he’s at present together with his household. Alisson, who tragically additionally missed his personal father’s funeral in the course of the pandemic in 2021, shared a deeply private tribute on Instagram within the early hours of Saturday morning.
Attendees have been handed orders of service that had pictures of the brothers on the entrance, Jota’s taken from taking part in for Liverpool, celebrating a purpose by making a coronary heart form together with his fingers.
So Unhappy?! Diogo Jota | You’ll By no means Stroll Alone ???. #NzeKookiepic.twitter.com/TJXVmrIcoT
— Kookie Promotions (@kookiepro_) July 5, 2025
There was applause from the crowds when the bell tolled because the coffins made the journey into the church. Neves, who performed with Jota for Porto, Wolves and Portugal, was one of many pallbearers
Through the service, the Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, delivered a touching eulogy.
“I might say so much about Diogo and Andre, their father prayed within the church and each Diogo and Andre made it [as professional footballers] due to their effort, their dedication, their sacrifices. They have been very respectful to others, each native fathers and quiet and devoted to their households.
“Extraordinary individuals, they have been. That’s the reason so many individuals are right here. Two accountable, critical males of religion, recognized everywhere in the world due to sport.
“They have been very expert soccer gamers, notably Diogo and of their case, this church did so much to advertise their sports activities. Soccer brings individuals collectively and builds bridges between totally different individuals when it’s accomplished with honesty, values, self-discipline, group work, no ego, respect, peace and understanding. These are the values of sports activities.
“We’re chatting with you (Jota’s youngsters) as a result of we’re so unhappy to see youngsters crying when that is the explanation. However our good friend Jesus mentioned those that aren’t delicate won’t be in heaven.
“I wish to categorical my help to your mom, your loved ones and Jesus is right here to assist us. Your father and uncle are beside Jesus on this new life, in peace. Could Jesus consolation you with religion and hope.”
Jota was not solely a proficient ahead however a beloved teammate, father, husband, and good friend. His brother André, who performed for Portuguese second tier aspect Penafiel, was additionally remembered with admiration and love. The lack of the 2 brothers has united the footballing world in grief, and the depth of mourning seen in tributes, tears, and moments of silence throughout matches displays the profound impression they’d each on and off the pitch.
