The football world is mourning the loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash in Spain alongside his brother, Andre Silva. The funeral, held on Saturday in the Portuguese town of Gondomar, saw an outpouring of grief and support for Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, their three young children, and the rest of the Jota family.
Rute Cardoso, who married Jota just 11 days before the accident, was visibly distraught as she arrived for the service. The couple had met in Gondomar as teenagers and built their life together there.
In a display of solidarity and respect, a contingent of Liverpool players and staff, both past and present, traveled to Portugal to attend the funeral. Current Liverpool manager Arne Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, Wataru Endo, and Caoimhin Kelleher were present to pay their respects. Former teammates Jordan Henderson and James Milner also joined the mourners.
The presence of so many Liverpool figures highlighted the impact Jota had on the club and the bonds he formed during his time there. The players arrived at the Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar to applause from crowds gathered nearby.
Beyond Liverpool, the football community at large was represented at the service. Manchester City player Ruben Dias and Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez were among those in attendance. Nelson Semedo, who plays for Wolves and Portugal, also attended the funeral.
The funeral followed a wake held on Friday at the Capela da Ressurreicao in Sao Cosme, where family and friends gathered to remember the brothers. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro were among those who attended the wake, demonstrating the significance of Jota's loss to the nation.
People attending the services held sheets featuring pictures of both brothers, with a prominent image of Jota smiling in his Liverpool FC shirt and making a heart sign with his hands.
Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died early Thursday morning on the A-52 highway near the city of Zamora, Spain. The Lamborghini they were traveling in reportedly crashed and burst into flames after a suspected tire blowout.
Liverpool Football Club has postponed the return of players for pre-season training following Jota's death. The club and its supporters are mourning the loss of a talented player and a beloved member of the Liverpool family.
