A profound wave of sorrow swept through Gondomar, Portugal, as hundreds gathered for the joint funeral of beloved footballers diogo Jota and his younger brother, André silva. The ceremony, held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, followed their tragic deaths in a car accident just two days prior. The service honoured the lives of Jota, a celebrated Liverpool and Portugal national team forward, and Silva, a professional player for local club Penafiel. This somber event brought together family, friends, teammates, and a heartbroken community to bid a final farewell.
A Town in Mourning: The Funeral Service
The funeral mass took place at the Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar, a town deeply connected to the brothers. Diogo Jota, 28, had a home here, and it was where he began his football journey at age nine with Gondomar FC. André Silva, 25, also hailed from this area. The church quickly filled to capacity, with many unable to enter the main building. Mourners followed the service via loudspeakers positioned outside.
The Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, led the poignant ceremony which began at 10:00 a.m. local time. The caskets of both brothers were carried from a nearby chapel into the church, later transported to the adjacent cemetery for burial. Church bells tolled solemnly throughout the proceedings. The atmosphere was thick with grief, yet also marked by a strong sense of unity as people leaned on each other for support.
Inside the Sacred Space
Inside the church, the focus was on honouring the memory of Diogo and André. Prominent figures from the football world were among the mourners. Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk and teammate Andrew Robertson were visibly moved, carrying red floral arrangements shaped like football shirts. Van Dijk’s bore Jota’s number 20, while Robertson carried one with Silva’s number 30, representing his jersey for Penafiel. The Liverpool squad arrived together, a silent procession that mirrored their on-pitch unity, described by observers as deeply emotional.
Family and close friends entered the church in near silence. Many heads were bowed in grief. One touching tribute was a sign held in the procession, displaying a photograph of André Silva and the Portuguese words “Para sempre um de nós,” meaning “Forever one of us.” This simple phrase captured the lasting impact André had on his community.
Football’s Giants Pay Respects
The turnout from the global football community underscored the immense impact both brothers had, particularly Diogo Jota. The funeral was attended by a significant contingent from Liverpool Football Club, including manager Arne Slot and key players like Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Ibrahima Konate, Darwin Nunez, and Federico Chiesa. Former Liverpool stars such as Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Caoimhin Kelleher also travelled to pay their respects, showing the enduring bonds formed at Anfield.
Players and staff from the Portugal national team also arrived to mourn their teammate. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, along with Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Jose Sa, and Joao Felix, were present. Portugal national team coach Roberto Martinez attended, noting the overwhelming sadness but also the powerful display of family spirit. Ruben Neves, who played alongside Jota at Wolves and for Portugal, was among the pallbearers who helped carry the coffins. Neves and Joao Cancelo flew in from the United States, reportedly weeping during a minute of silence held for the brothers before their Club World Cup match the previous day. Even Jota’s former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, was there to say goodbye. Players from Gondomar FC, where Jota began his career, also paid tribute.
Notably, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo did not attend the service. Reports suggested he was concerned his presence might overshadow the farewell to his teammate and his younger brother in the small town. However, Ronaldo had posted a heartfelt tribute on social media shortly after the news broke, expressing disbelief and sending condolences to Jota’s family.
A Community United in Grief
Beyond the football stars, hundreds of locals and fans gathered outside the church, creating a sea of support. Supporters applauded the arriving players, with one woman shouting “Força!” – a Portuguese word meaning “strength” – a simple yet powerful message of solidarity. Many attendees wore football shirts and merchandise from the various clubs where the brothers had played, both in Portugal and abroad.
The community of Gondomar has been left reeling by the tragedy. Locals described the brothers not just as football heroes but as integral parts of the town. Antônio Moreira, one of the first to arrive outside the church, spoke of the brothers as “good people, from a humble family, people like us.” He shared how the tragedy resonated deeply with him, recalling a similar car accident that affected his own family decades ago. Antônio emphasized that while they weren’t direct relatives, the loss felt personal, stating, “losing your parents is hard, really hard. But losing your children is unimaginable.”
Fábio Silva, another local who had followed the brothers’ careers since their beginnings in local clubs, highlighted their continued humility despite their success. He said the community was “sad, devastated” and his presence was simply out of “Respect for the brothers, the family.” Fábio and Rafaela, fans who travelled from the nearby town of Lordelo, wore Jota’s shirt and stressed the importance of being there “for Jota’s final day.” They found it difficult to watch from outside but noted the large turnout was a beautiful demonstration of community support. Rafaela offered a poignant reflection, urging others to “live life to the max” and “Say everything you want to say, and need to say – tomorrow could be too late,” acknowledging the sudden fragility of life.
The Tragic Circumstances
Diogo Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, were found dead near Zamora in northwestern Spain in the early hours of Thursday, July 3. The fatal incident occurred around 00:30 local time. The Lamborghini they were traveling in reportedly spun off an isolated stretch of highway and subsequently caught fire. Spanish police are investigating the exact cause of the crash. While no other vehicle was involved, investigators are considering factors such as a blown tire or possible speeding.
It is understood the brothers were on their way to catch a boat from northern Spain to England. Diogo Jota was due to rejoin his Liverpool team for pre-season training. He had recently undergone minor surgery and doctors had advised him against flying, hence the decision to travel by road and ferry.
The tragedy struck just 11 days after Diogo Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Porto. The couple had three young children together. The news of his death, so soon after this joyous event, added another layer of heartbreak to an already devastating loss. André Silva, while not as globally famous as his brother, was a respected professional player for FC Penafiel.
Their bodies were repatriated to Portugal after being identified by their family, including Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso, their parents Joaquim and Isabel, and their grandfather Joaquim Silva. A private wake was held on Friday before the funeral.
Tributes and a Lasting Legacy
Tributes have poured in from across the football world and beyond. Liverpool FC opened online and in-person books of condolences at Anfield, where fans, former players like Jordan Henderson, and even British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner paid respects. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed profound “shock” and described the loss as “unimaginable.” Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who signed Jota, stated he was “heartbroken.” Teammates shared their grief; Mohammed Salah commented on his apprehension about returning for pre-season.
The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement mourning the loss of “two champions” and calling their deaths “irreparable losses for Portuguese football.” They praised Jota not just as a talented player with nearly 50 national team caps but as an “extraordinary person” known for his “contagious joy.” Tributes also came from figures like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, FA patron Prince William, and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. Portugal teammate Pedro Neto displayed a tribute shirt at a Club World Cup match. Even the band Oasis paid tribute during a reunion tour, projecting Jota’s number 20 jersey on screen during their performance of “Live Forever.”
Diogo Jota had a successful career, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cups with Liverpool after joining from Wolves in 2020. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club and played a key role in Portugal’s 2025 Nations League victory. André Silva was remembered as a fine footballer in his own right. Their sudden passing represents a significant loss to their families, their community, and the world of football, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy remembered by many.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to footballers Diogo Jota and André Silva?
Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday, July 3, 2025. They were traveling in a car that reportedly spun off the road and caught fire near Zamora, Spain, while on their way to catch a ferry back to England for Jota’s Liverpool pre-season training.
Where was the funeral for Diogo Jota and André Silva held?
The joint funeral service for Diogo Jota and André Silva took place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto, Portugal. The ceremony was held at the Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar, with hundreds of mourners, including family, friends, and football figures, attending or gathering outside the church.
Which prominent football figures attended the funeral?
The funeral saw attendance from numerous prominent football figures. Liverpool FC was represented by manager Arne Slot and players including Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, and others. The Portugal national team coach Roberto Martinez was present, along with players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Ruben Neves. Ruben Neves also served as a pallbearer.
The passing of Diogo Jota and André Silva has left a void felt deeply by their families, their hometown of Gondomar, and the wider football community. The overwhelming turnout at the funeral demonstrated the profound impact they had on so many lives, both through their sport and their character. While the pain of their loss is immense, the shared grief and outpouring of tributes offer a testament to the love and respect they earned. Their legacy will continue to be honored by those who knew them and those touched by their story.
