BY ROSEMARY UGIOMOH
Tears flowed freely as family members and football stars gathered for the funeral of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Gondomar, Portugal.
The emotional ceremony was held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, a church located about 33 kilometers from Porto, where the brothers grew up.
The funeral procession was attended by numerous football personalities, including Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, who brought floral tributes to pay their respects. Other notable attendees included Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City’s Ruben Dias, and Portuguese midfielder Renato Veiga. Brazilian football player Fabinho was also present to bid farewell to the brothers.
Diogo Jota and André Silva tragically lost their lives in a car accident near Zamora, Spain, on July 3, 2025, just a week after Jota’s wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. The Lamborghini they were driving veered off the highway and burst into flames, claiming the lives of both brothers, aged 28 and 25, respectively.
The funeral service was a heartfelt tribute to the brothers, with relatives and former teammates following the coffins in a somber procession. Hundreds of people had attended a wake for the brothers on Friday, showing the impact of their lives on the community.
The world of football came together to mourn the loss of these two promising lives. Liverpool’s Chief Executive, Michael Edwards, and Technical Director, Julian Ward, were also in attendance, alongside the team’s Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
As the brothers were laid to rest, tributes poured in from various corners of the football world, reflecting on the void left by their passing. The Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool FC, had paid tribute to Diogo Jota with a memorial service, highlighting his contributions to the team.
Rúben Neves made a heartfelt gesture by returning to Portugal to attend the funeral of his former teammate Diogo Jota and Jota’s brother André Silva mere hours after playing for Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup quarterfinal against Fluminense in Orlando. Neves served as a pallbearer, carrying Jota’s coffin during the emotional ceremony held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
*The Emotional Journey*
Neves’ journey back to Portugal was a testament to his strong bond with Jota, forged during their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Porto. The two players shared the pitch over 100 times, creating lasting memories. Neves’ decision to fly back to Portugal immediately after the match showcased his dedication to his friend
Tributes from the Football Community
The funeral was attended by numerous football personalities, including .
– *Liverpool teammates*: Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and others
– *Portugal teammates*: João Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, and Renato Veiga
– *Other notable attendees*: Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard, and the Prime Ministers of Portugal and Britain
Neves’ emotional gesture has touched hearts across the football world, highlighting the power of friendship and loyalty in the sport.
