**Liverpool FC Mourns Diogo Jota as Football World Gathers for Funeral in Portugal**
The football community came together in a sombre display of unity on Saturday morning, as family, friends, and teammates attended the funeral of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in Gondomar, Portugal. The ceremony followed a deeply emotional wake held the preceding evening at Capela da Ressurreição, where hundreds of mourners paid tribute to the two professional footballers. Both men tragically lost their lives earlier in the week after their vehicle suffered a tyre blowout in Spain, an accident that shook both the Portuguese nation and the global football fraternity.
Liverpool FC sent a strong delegation to stand with the Jota family in their time of grief. Among those seen arriving with heartfelt tributes were club captain Virgil van Dijk and full-back Andrew Robertson, who carried floral wreaths shaped as shirts bearing Jota’s revered No. 20 and Silva’s No. 30. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports’ CEO of Football Michael Edwards were also present, underscoring the close-knit nature of the club during times of difficulty.
Respects were paid by a host of football personalities, both past and present, many of whom had played alongside Jota at Liverpool or represented Portugal at international level. Former colleagues such as Fabinho, as well as Manchester City’s Portuguese stars Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, were seen amongst the congregation. Ricardo Carvalho, who enjoyed a storied career with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Portugal, was also in attendance, further highlighting the sense of unity within the football community.
The local religious community played a significant role in the proceedings, with Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at Igreja Matriz, telling CNN Portugal, “We are ready to welcome all those touched by this tragedy. Though the pain is immense, we also hold onto hope as we remember the lives of Diogo and Andre.” The moving words illustrated the support felt not only from footballing figures, but from the wider community as well.
Portugal’s assembly president, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco, described Jota as a source of national pride and inspiration. “Diogo Jota always wore the Portuguese shirt with immense pride,” he remarked. “His journey from a talented youngster to a role model for so many is just one element of his lasting legacy. The national assembly will conduct a vote of condolence, recognising both young men and the impact they made in Portuguese sport.”
The footballing presence at the funeral was significant. Liverpool players Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo all travelled to Portugal to pay respects. Former Liverpool captains such as Jordan Henderson and James Milner were reported to have conveyed their condolences, alongside current manager Arne Slot and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, cementing the profound effect Jota had on those around him.
Jota’s Anfield teammate Mohamed Salah posted a poignant tribute on social media, reflecting on the personal and collective sense of loss. “I am truly lost for words. It’s hard to imagine going back to Liverpool without Diogo,” Salah wrote, expressing sympathy for Jota’s family and underscoring the depth of support needed for everyone affected. “They will never be forgotten,” he affirmed.
As the service began at 10am local time, it was clear that the legacy of both Jota and Silva extended well beyond the pitch. The devastation felt was matched only by the resilience shown by those present, united by grief yet determined to honour two lives lived with passion and purpose.
The city of Gondomar, nestled just outside Porto, bore witness to an outpouring of love and remembrance, as members of the footballing world and community gathered not just to mourn, but to celebrate the contributions of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. Their impact will undoubtedly endure, both in sport and in the hearts of those closest to them.