
Family members, friends, and Liverpool Football Club players gathered in Portugal on Saturday for the funeral of Diogo Jota, following his death in a car accident in Spain earlier this week.
The 28-year-old footballer, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days before the accident, died alongside his brother Andre Silva when their Lamborghini caught fire after a suspected tire failure in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The funeral took place at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church in the town of Gondomar, near Porto, on Saturday morning. Jota’s family arrived first, followed by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, captain Virgil Van Dijk, and teammates including Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, and Joe Gomez.
Portuguese national team colleagues also attended the service, including Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva from Manchester City, Joao Felix and Renato Veiga from Chelsea, Nelson Semedo from Wolves, and Joao Moutinho, Rui Patricio, and Ruben Neves. Former Liverpool player Fabinho, Porto FC president Andre Villas-Boas, and Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez were also present.
Several players carried wreaths shaped like football shirts as they entered the church.
A wake for the brothers was held on Friday, with people queuing outside the Portuguese chapel. The brothers’ parents attended the Sรฃo Cosme Chapel, the Capela da Ressurreiรงรฃo, in Gondomar, joined by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, and Jota’s agent.
Attendees held service sheets featuring photographs of both brothers, with the largest image showing Jota smiling in his Liverpool shirt while making a heart gesture with his hands.
Liverpool Football Club postponed their players’ return for pre-season training following Jota’s death. Current and former players have shared tributes to him and his brother on social media platforms.
Numerous floral tributes have been placed outside Anfield Stadium, with Liverpool supporters and fans from other clubs paying their respects. The club has lowered flags to half-mast at the stadium and temporarily closed all club stores, museums, and tours until Monday, while providing well-being support for staff.
The fatal accident occurred on the A-52 highway in Palacios de Sanabria, near Zamora, at 12:40 AM on Thursday. Police are investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the roadway due to a tire blowout while overtaking, with a government source in Zamora confirming that “a possible speeding incident” is being examined.
Photographs from the crash site showed debris scattered along the roadside, including what appeared to be charred vehicle parts. No other vehicles were reportedly involved in the incident.
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