The Portugal women's national team faced a wave of emotions as they prepared to compete in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, marked by both profound grief and a sense of responsibility to honor the memory of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool star and Portuguese international, who tragically passed away in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva. UEFA announced that a moment of silence would be observed at all of Thursday's and Friday's matches at the Women's Euro 2025 in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also requested a minute's silence before the game against Spain. The team also wore black armbands as a sign of respect and mourning. Tributes poured in from across the footballing world, with Cristiano Ronaldo expressing his grief, stating that Jota's death "makes no sense". England's women's team also conveyed their condolences and support to the Portuguese team.
Hours before Portugal's match against Spain, many players on the Portugal women's squad posted photos of Jota on social media, accompanied by broken heart emojis. Ana Borges, the most capped player in the team's history, wrote "Descansem em paz" ("rest in peace") under a photo of both brothers. Jessica Silva, a forward for Portugal, described Jota as "one of our own," emphasizing that "Diogo wasn't just a star".
The match between Portugal and Spain proceeded in Bern, Switzerland. Prior to kickoff, a moment of silence was observed, during which fans held up signs, jerseys, and pictures in Jota's and his brother's honor. A banner in the stadium read "Thanks for everything".
FPF President Pedro Proenca expressed that the entire Portuguese football community was devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. He noted that Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by teammates and opponents alike, and someone with a "contagious joy". Proenca added that their deaths represented "irreparable losses for Portuguese football," and the federation would do everything to honor their legacy.
Portugal is participating in its third consecutive Euros and its fourth major tournament since 2017. Their first match was against Spain in Group B. The team barely qualified for the tournament, edging past Czechia 3-2 on aggregate in a playoff. Veteran defender Ana Borges and midfielder Dolores Silva are key players for Portugal. Other notable players include Jéssica Silva, who plays for Gotham FC, and attacking midfielder Kika Nazareth. Portugal's objective is to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in a major tournament.
The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 features 16 nations competing across Switzerland from July 2-27, with the final to be held in Basel. Portugal is in Group B alongside Spain, Italy, and Belgium.
