Portugal stood still as football mourned the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a touching joint funeral held in Gondomar on Saturday.
Hundreds of supporters, teammates, and loved ones gathered to pay tribute to the siblings who lost their lives in a devastating car crash on Thursday.
The emotional ceremony unfolded at the Igreja Matriz in their hometown, just outside Porto. As bells tolled gently, family and friends entered in solemn silence. Some clutched framed photos, including one of Silva bearing the message, “Para sempre um de nós” — Forever one of us.
Jota, 28, and Silva, 25, died in the early hours of Thursday in Zamora, Spain. Reports suggest they were travelling to catch a ferry to Liverpool for Jota’s pre-season return. Notably, the Portugal international had undergone minor surgery and was advised against flying, prompting the road trip.
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The grief-stricken ceremony brought football’s finest to Gondomar. Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson arrived carrying floral tributes. Just months ago, they celebrated a league title with Jota — now, they stood side-by-side to bid farewell.
Football mourns
Despite being filled with sorrow, the funeral also reflected unity. Supporters wearing jerseys from Jota’s clubs and Silva’s team, Penafiel, lined the streets. Many were too moved to speak, yet one fan’s cry of “Força!” pierced the silence, echoing collective strength and heartbreak.
Although the church overflowed, those outside remained in solidarity. Through embraces, tears, and silence, the community honoured two brothers whose lives, though tragically cut short, left unforgettable marks both in football and in the hearts of many.
In less than an hour, the service concluded – but its weight will linger far longer.
Tags: Diogo Jota, André Silva, Liverpool, Penafiel, Gondomar, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Zamora, Igreja Matriz, #YNWA, #LFC, #PremierLeague.
