Portugal Bids Farewell to Diogo Jota and Brother André

Gondomar, Portugal – A solemn air gripped the town of Gondomar on Saturday as hundreds gathered to bid farewell to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother, André Silva, following their tragic deaths in a fatal car accident earlier this week.

The funeral, held at the Church of São Cosme in their hometown, drew an outpouring of grief and unity from across Portugal’s football community, as well as fans and residents who lined the streets in silent tribute.

Among those present were current and former footballers, club representatives, and officials from the Portuguese Football Federation. Many wore black armbands and red scarves in remembrance of Jota’s contributions to both the national team and his club.

Jota, who had married just days before the accident, leaves behind his wife and three young children. The couple had been together since their teenage years, and their recent wedding had been a celebration of enduring love.

Local authorities confirmed that the accident occurred on a winding stretch of highway outside Porto, where the two brothers were reportedly returning from a family event. Emergency responders pronounced them dead at the scene.

“Portugal has lost not only a gifted footballer but also a remarkable human being,” said one mourner. “Jota was always humble, grounded, and proud of where he came from.”

Flags flew at half-mast at Liverpool FC’s training ground and at Estádio do Dragão, where Jota began his career with FC Porto. Teammates from Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the national squad shared emotional tributes on social media, many expressing shock and disbelief.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a teammate and mentor to Jota on the Portuguese national team, posted a photo with the caption: “Gone too soon, irmão. You’ll always be with us.”

Gondomar’s mayor announced that a street near the town’s youth training grounds would be renamed in Jota’s honour, calling him “a symbol of local pride, determination, and international excellence.”

The brothers were laid to rest side by side in a private burial attended only by close family and friends.

As Portugal continues to mourn, fans across the country have been lighting candles and laying football scarves and flowers at makeshift memorials in Gondomar, Liverpool, and Lisbon—grieving not only a national talent but a life story tragically cut short.