Diogo Jota and André Silva Laid to Rest in Gondomar After Fatal Crash
Hundreds of mourners gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday to pay their final respects to Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva, who tragically died in a car accident earlier this week.
The Liverpool forward, aged 28, and André, 25, were killed on Thursday in the Spanish province of Zamora while travelling by car and ferry back to England for Jota’s pre-season training.
The accident came just 11 days after Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
Football World Pays Tribute
The funeral service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar brought together family, friends, locals, and football’s biggest names:
- Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson led Liverpool’s delegation, carrying floral tributes into the church.
- Portuguese national teammates including Diogo Dalot, Joao Moutinho, and Ruben Dias attended.
- Fans outside chanted “Força!” (Strength) as players entered in silence.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, visibly emotional, laid a wreath at the church entrance.
A Community in Mourning
The small city of Gondomar was blanketed in sorrow. Fans wore shirts from Liverpool, Wolves, FC Porto, and local club Penafiel, where André Silva had played.
One banner read: “Para sempre um de nós” (Forever one of us), while locals formed a silent guard of honour as the coffins arrived.
Speaking outside the church, local fan António Moreira said:
“They were more than footballers. They were humble, good people – like us.”
The Brothers’ Legacy
- Diogo Jota inspired a generation in Gondomar, rising from local club SC Gondomar to FC Porto, Wolves, and finally Liverpool, where he won the Premier League and Champions League.
- André Silva played in Portugal’s second division and was admired for his dedication to the sport.
Both brothers were known for staying close to their roots despite their success.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
Liverpool postponed the start of pre-season training out of respect. Their first pre-season match against Preston North End is scheduled for Sunday, 13 July.
The club has opened an online book of condolences for fans worldwide to pay tribute.
Fans Reflect on Fragility of Life
Supporters Fábio and Rafaela, wearing Jota’s shirt, summed up the mood:
“This shows we need to live life to the fullest. Tomorrow could be too late.”
