The world of football and the family of Diogo Jota are united in grief following the tragic death of the Liverpool forward and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in Spain. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the football community, leaving fans, teammates, and loved ones mourning the untimely loss of two talented players.
Diogo Jota, 28, was a key player for Liverpool, having joined the club in 2020. He was also a devoted family man, leaving behind his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children. Just days before the tragedy, Jota and Cardoso celebrated their marriage in an intimate ceremony. Andre Silva, 25, was also a professional footballer, playing for a team in the Portuguese second division.
The outpouring of grief has been widespread, with tributes pouring in from across the globe. Liverpool Football Club has expressed its devastation at the news, describing it as an "unimaginable loss". The club has opened a book of condolence at Anfield and online, lowered flags to half-mast, and suspended all tours until Monday. The Portuguese Football Federation has also expressed its condolences, stating that their deaths represent "irreparable losses for Portuguese football".
Many of Jota's teammates have shared their personal tributes, including Mohamed Salah, who admitted he was dreading returning to the club in the wake of Jota's death. Salah expressed his condolences to Jota's wife, children, and parents, emphasizing the difficulty in accepting that Jota would no longer be with them. Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also paid tribute, laying flowers and a Liverpool scarf outside Anfield. He expressed his shock and offered prayers, love, and support to Jota and Andre's family.
The family of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva gathered for a wake in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto, Portugal. The wake, held at the Sao Cosme Chapel, was initially private for family members but was later opened to the public, with hundreds queuing to pay their respects. Among those in attendance were Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Provenza.
The funeral for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. The town of Gondomar, where Jota began his football career, is in mourning, with many remembering him as a local hero who never forgot his roots.
In addition to the emotional tributes, there have been reports about Diogo Jota's potential transfer from Liverpool. Prior to his death, rumors circulated about interest from clubs such as Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia. However, these reports are now overshadowed by the immense grief and mourning surrounding his passing.
The tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva has brought the football world and their family together in shared sorrow. As they prepare to bid their final farewell, the memory of Jota's talent, his dedication to his family, and his impact on the sport will undoubtedly live on.
