The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 has been marked by profound grief following the tragic death of Portuguese international footballer Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a car crash in Spain. The news sent shockwaves through the football world, prompting heartfelt tributes and moments of silence at the tournament in Switzerland.
Ahead of their Euro 2025 opening game against Spain on Thursday, the Portuguese women's national team honored Jota's life. The players wore black armbands and observed a period of silence before the match at Stadion Wankdorf in Bern. Fans displayed banners expressing their sorrow and gratitude, with messages like "Thank you for everything" and "Rest in peace". One fan held a sign with the Portuguese word "Eternal". The silence was observed for approximately 20 seconds before applause broke out from the fans. UEFA has also confirmed that a minute's silence will be observed at all Women's Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday.
The loss was deeply felt by Jota's teammates. Jéssica Silva, a fellow forward for Portugal, expressed her sorrow, calling Jota "one of our own". She described him as "one of the good ones, the loyal ones, the attentive ones, the easy-going ones... one of those who don't need noise to make their mark". "Football has become poorer... and so have we. You will never be forgotten," she added. Francisca (Kika) Nazareth, another Portugal forward, posted on Instagram before the game, "Today, for them".
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also issued a statement, with president Pedro Proenca saying the federation and the entire Portuguese football community were "devastated" by the deaths. He described Jota as an "extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community". Proenca extended condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players had played. "We have lost two champions," Proenca stated. "Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day".
Tributes poured in from across the footballing world and beyond. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota's Portugal teammate, wrote on Instagram, "It doesn't make sense," and offered condolences to Jota's family. Raul Jimenez, Jota's former teammate at Wolves, described him as an "excellent friend, teammate and, above all, a great father". Liverpool FC, Jota's club, expressed their devastation and requested privacy for the family. LeBron James, who holds a minority stake in Liverpool, offered his prayers and support. Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, also shared his condolences. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the devastating news and sent his thoughts to Jota's family and friends.
Diogo Jota, who was 28 years old, had a successful career, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups with Liverpool. He earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and assisting 12 more, and was a two-time UEFA Nations League champion. His loss is deeply mourned by the football community, who remember him not only as a talented player but also as an exceptional person.
