Real Madrid has issued an apology following an embarrassing error during a tribute to the late Diogo Jota. The Spanish giants mistakenly used a photo of Elche striker André da Silva, who is still actively playing in La Liga, instead of Jota's brother, André Silva, who tragically passed away alongside the former Liverpool star in a car accident in July.
The mishap occurred during Real Madrid's Annual General Assembly on Sunday evening. As part of the ceremony, the club played a video tribute to individuals connected to the club who had passed away during the year. Among those honored was Diogo Jota, whose death in a car accident alongside his brother André Silva earlier this year, shocked the football world.
However, the tribute video displayed an image of André da Silva, the Elche player, rather than Diogo Jota's brother, André Silva. The error was quickly noticed, prompting an immediate response from the club.
"Real Madrid apologizes to Elche and its player André da Silva for having mistakenly included their image instead of that of André Silva, brother of Diogo Jota, Liverpool player, in the obituary of an institutional video," the club stated. "We regret what happened".
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez also addressed the mistake during his speech, offering a personal apology. The club's swift apology underscores the gravity of the error and their commitment to rectifying the situation.
Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva died in a car accident on July 3rd. The accident occurred around 12:40 AM on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain. Reports indicate that the Lamborghini carrying the brothers suffered a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, leading to a loss of control. The car caught fire and was completely destroyed. Authorities confirmed that both Diogo and André died at the scene.
The tragic death of Diogo Jota at the age of 28 prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the footballing community. Real Madrid themselves, including former Liverpool players Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold, paid tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield in November.
Alexander-Arnold, who shared a dressing room with Jota until this June, left his own personal message and flowers. "My mate Diogo. You are so missed, but still so loved. Yours and Andre's memory will always live on. I smile every time I think about you and I will always remember the good times we shared," Alexander-Arnold wrote.
The recent error during the tribute video is particularly unfortunate given the genuine respect and condolences the club has previously expressed. While the mistake has caused embarrassment, Real Madrid's prompt apology demonstrates their awareness of the error and their intention to honor the memory of Diogo Jota and his brother appropriately.
