England's Lionesses are standing in solidarity with Portugal following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. The news has sent shockwaves through the football community, particularly as the Portuguese team prepares for their Women's European Championship opener against Spain.
Lionesses defender Lucy Bronze, who has Portuguese heritage through her father, shared the team's heartfelt reaction to the devastating news. "Yeah it definitely shocked all the squad when we woke up this morning and the news started to spread," Bronze said. "Obviously we have a lot of Liverpool fans in our team and football fans, but for people in general, everyone is just thinking of them – him and his brother". She added, "They were so young as well. We have seen all the messages on social media and stuff so you can tell what a great guy he has been. It's just really sad and we were shocked by the news, really".
Jota, 28, and his brother, Andre Silva, 25, died in a car crash in Spain early Thursday. Initial reports suggest that a tire blowout during an overtake caused their Lamborghini to veer off the road and burst into flames. Jota's untimely death is especially heartbreaking as he had just gotten married two weeks prior and was a father of three.
The Lionesses conveyed their condolences in an official statement: "We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It is truly difficult to comprehend". The statement further emphasized their support for the Portuguese team: "We stand beside the Portuguese team here in Switzerland and the whole football family in honouring Diogo and Andre's memory".
UEFA has announced that a minute of silence will be observed at all Women's Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday in remembrance of Jota and his brother. This includes Portugal's opening match against Spain, where the team will undoubtedly be playing with heavy hearts. The Portuguese Football Federation had requested UEFA to hold a minute of silence before their National Team's match against Spain in the Women's European Championship.
Bronze affirmed that the Lionesses would be watching Portugal's game against Spain and offering their support. "I think everyone in an England shirt and everyone in the tournament will be supporting the Portuguese team because they will be a lot closer to this than we are," she said.
Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world, including from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool FC, and Jota's former clubs, Wolves and Porto. Portugal forward Jessica Silva expressed the sentiment of many, posting on Instagram: "Diogo wasn't just a star... Football has gone poorer... and so are we. You will never be forgotten". Pedro Proenca, President of the FPF, said Jota was "Much more than a fantastic player... an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community".
Jota was a key player for Liverpool, having scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. He also earned 49 caps for Portugal and recently celebrated winning the Nations League. His contributions to football and his vibrant personality will be deeply missed.
