Family and friends gathered at the Capela da Ressurreição São Cosme to pay their respects following the tragic deaths of Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, who lost their lives in a car accident in Spain. The incident occurred near Zamora, where their vehicle crashed and caught fire. Mourners, including their parents and Jota’s agent, Jorge Mendes, expressed their sorrow before entering the chapel for the wake.
Flowers and candles were placed outside the chapel, as community members and dignitaries, including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, came to offer their condolences. A funeral service for the siblings is scheduled later today, with local officials like Gondomar’s president, Ricardo Alves, mourning the loss of Jota, who had a promising future ahead. Alves remarked on the profound sadness felt in the community, describing Jota as a talented young man whose untimely fate was tragic.
Born in Porto, Portugal, Jota began his football journey in Gondomar, where he remained connected to his roots and lifelong friends. After marrying Rute Cardoso just two weeks prior to his death and welcoming his third child last year, his passing leaves a deep void not only for his family but also for the football community.
Spanish police are investigating the cause of the crash, with initial reports suggesting a potential tyre blowout as the reason, noting that no other vehicles were involved. André Silva had been playing for a lower division club, Penafiel, at the time of his death.
As news spread about the brothers’ tragic fate, the football world rallied to pay tribute. A moment of silence was observed before a recent match between Portugal and Spain at the Women’s European Championship. Liverpool fans have been leaving flowers and scarves at Anfield, while former captain Jordan Henderson shared in the collective mourning.
Liverpool’s squad, currently on summer break, will return next week, but players like Mohamed Salah have already voiced their grief on social media. Salah expressed difficulty in reconciling the loss of Jota, extending thoughts to his family and acknowledging the need for support during this heartbreaking time.
The brothers’ untimely deaths have not only impacted their loved ones but have resonated deeply within the broader community, leaving reminders of their legacy embedded in the hearts of all who admired them.