PORTO, Portugal (BN24) — The funeral for Liverpool forward Diogo Jota will be held Saturday morning in his hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, following the tragic car crash that claimed his life and that of his younger brother earlier this week.
Jota, 28, was killed late Wednesday night when a tire on his Lamborghini failed, sending the vehicle off the A-52 highway in Spain’s Zamora province, where it caught fire. His brother, 25-year-old André Silva, a professional footballer with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel, was also killed in the crash.
The brothers were traveling toward Santander to board a ferry to the United Kingdom when the accident occurred. Emergency crews rushed to the scene in the early hours of Thursday, extinguished the flames and confirmed both men had died instantly. Their bodies were transported to a forensic unit in Zamora for autopsies before being released for burial.
Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, after a wake at the Sao Cosme Chapel. The funeral mass will take place next door at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. Local priest Father Jose Manuel Macedo initially announced the ceremonies for Friday afternoon but later confirmed they had been rescheduled to Saturday morning.
Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, is expected to attend the wake, underscoring the impact of the tragedy on the country.
Authorities in Spain are investigating the crash as a possible speeding incident. A local government source said the area where the accident occurred is a notorious black spot along the A-52, where sharp bends and poor nighttime visibility have led to frequent accidents.
Jota’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world and beyond. Liverpool Football Club released a statement calling the news “unimaginable,” describing Jota as a “champion who will be forever missed.” The club opened books of condolence online and at Anfield.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed the grief shared by teammates and staff. “What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?” Slot said. “All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly.”
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota in 2020, said he was “struggling to understand” the loss. “Diogo was not only a fantastic player but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father,” Klopp wrote. “We will miss you so much.”
Jota’s international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo posted an emotional message, calling the news senseless and offering condolences to the family. Lionel Messi shared a photo of Jota making a heart gesture, with the words “QEPD,” meaning “may he rest in peace.”
Across the Premier League, tributes poured in from clubs and players. Former Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Robbie Fowler all shared messages of sympathy.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William also expressed their condolences. “There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans and non-fans, who will be shocked by this,” Starmer said.
Jota’s death came just days after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Porto. The couple, who have three children, had shared photos from their wedding with the caption: “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.”
Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid. He joined Wolves in 2017, helping the club rise to the Premier League, and signed for Liverpool in 2020 for £41 million. Over five seasons, he scored 47 Premier League goals and won multiple domestic trophies, including the Premier League title.
He also earned nearly 50 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 international goals and helping his country win the UEFA Nations League.
A minute of silence was held in his honor during the Women’s Euros match between Spain and Portugal on Thursday.
As his coffin returns to his birthplace, Gondomar prepares to say farewell to a player remembered for his talent, humility, and the joy he brought to fans around the world.
THESUN.CO.UK
