Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, will be laid to rest on Saturday following their tragic and untimely deaths in a devastating car crash that occurred in Spain on Wednesday night.
The funeral mass is set to take place at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, their hometown parish situated near Porto, Portugal. The choice of venue reflects the deep roots and close connections the brothers had to their community in Gondomar, where they were both beloved figures.
Jota, who was just 28 years old, and his younger brother André, 25, who played as a professional footballer for Portuguese side Penafiel, lost their lives in a horrific accident when a tyre on their Lamborghini reportedly burst. The incident happened while they were driving along the A-52 highway in Zamora, located in northwestern Spain.
After the tyre blew out, their vehicle veered off the road and caught fire. Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, both brothers were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The severity of the crash and the subsequent fire left rescuers with no chance to save them.
According to reports, the brothers were on their way to Santander to board a ferry back to the United Kingdom when the fatal crash took place. The journey was meant to be a return to routine after a period away, but it ended in unimaginable tragedy.
A wake will be held at the São Cosme Chapel adjacent to the church before the funeral service. This will give family, friends, teammates, and supporters the opportunity to pay their last respects and honor their memories.
It remains unclear whether the family will decide on a private or public ceremony; however, it is reported that President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to attend the wake to pay his personal respects to the family, underscoring the national impact of the loss.
Diogo Jota began his footballing career in Gondomar, where he quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the region’s most admired and successful sporting exports. His dedication, skill, and humble personality earned him immense respect both on and off the field.
Jota had been scheduled to return to Liverpool later this month for pre-season training after missing parts of the previous season due to injury. His death has left teammates, coaches, and fans in profound shock and mourning.
Family members, including Jota’s widow, Rute, have been leaning on each other for support during this incredibly difficult time. They were recently seen at the Zamora forensic unit, where autopsies were performed before the bodies were released for repatriation to Portugal for the funeral rites.
The football community and supporters worldwide continue to pour in tributes, remembering Diogo Jota as a tenacious and gifted player who remained grounded and deeply devoted to his loved ones. His legacy as both a remarkable athlete and an exceptional human being will continue to inspire many for years to come.