Thousands gather to bid farewell to Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, brother André Silva at their funeral
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Liverpool squad bid emotional farewell to Diogo Jota at team-mate’s funeral
Diogo Jota’s funeral was held in his home town of Gondomar, near Porto. The 28-year-old and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash on Thursday. Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso almost a fortnight ago. Many of Jota’s former team-mates also attended, including ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, Caoimhin Kelleher, Fabinho and former Wolves and Portugal team-mate Joao Moutinho. Alisson Becker, who was unable to attend his own father’s funeral due to Covid restrictions four years ago, is on international duty with Brazil and so could not be present but posted a poignant message on Instagram which read: “Once again, an ocean separates me from ‘saying goodbye’ to someone I love! But I know that I am well represented by my club mates!’“To you, my friend Rute, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!”
A service for the 28-year-old father-of-three, who married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso almost a fortnight ago, and his brother Andre Silva was held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church in their home town of Gondomar, near Porto, following their deaths in a car crash on Thursday.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson each carried a floral tribute in the shape of a red shirt bearing the respective numbers of the two brothers.
Head coach Arne Slot and the majority of the squad were present, as were Michael Edwards – the man who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020 when he was sporting director and is now chief executive of football for owners Fenway Sports Group – current sporting director Richard Hughes and head of physiotherapy Lee Nobes, who would have spent many hours with the player during his injury lay-offs.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who was unable to attend his own father’s funeral due to Covid restrictions four years ago, is on international duty with Brazil and so could not be present but posted a poignant message on Instagram which read: “Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense!
“Once again, an ocean separates me from ‘saying goodbye’ to someone I love! But I know that I am well represented by my club mates!
“To you, my friend Rute, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!”
Many of Jota’s former team-mates also attended, including ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who on Friday laid flowers at the makeshift shrine outside Anfield, James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, who signed in the same transfer window as Jota, Caoimhin Kelleher, Fabinho and former Wolves and Portugal team-mate Joao Moutinho.
Manchester City’s Portuguese duo Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, another international colleague, were also there, while his best friend Ruben Neves was a pallbearer, having flown in from Florida after playing for Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup on Friday night.
Jota’s former Wolves boss and now Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, also attended.
“I can’t even imagine the pain of the family, of Rute, of the children, of the parents,” Silva told Portuguese broadcaster TVI.
“I must talk a little about Jota, who was a great friend to all of us. His career, although not the most important thing, speaks for itself.
“More important than that, as a person, the memories that remain. Jota will remain in our hearts forever. He will always be present at all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, national team gatherings, PlayStation or card games.
“It is a very tough episode for all of us, because we spent a lot of time together. The memories I have with him are fantastic. These happy memories will remain, he will be present in every victory.
“We were rivals and team-mates for many years. He became a great friend. He was present at my wedding. Unfortunately, I wasn’t at his, because I was at the Club World Cup. It is a family that will always be with us and that we will try to preserve.”
Jota’s former team-mates Jordan Henderson and James Miler were visibly emotional (PA) (PA Wire)
Players from Penafiel, the team for whom Jota’s brother played, also attended.
A wake was held on Friday for the pair before the coffins were carried into church on Saturday morning followed by mourners, led by Jota’s wife and family.
After the service, which was broadcast to hundreds standing outside, they were taken to the cemetery next to the church for a private ceremony. A seventh-day mass will be held on Wednesday.
Jota’s national team manager Roberto Martinez, who was also in attendance, said: “They are really sad days, as you can imagine, but today we have shown we are a very large, but close family.
“It was essential for us that, (with) Andre Silva and Diogo Jota, we are together and we will always be together and their spirit will be with us forever.
“Thank you very much for your messages, for your support and everything that we have received (from) all over the world. It means a lot and today we are all one football family.”
Everton manager David Moyes and assistant Alan Irvine laid a floral tribute at Anfield (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire)
Reports in Portugal say Liverpool have committed to paying out the remainder of Jota’s two-year contract to his family.
Tributes continue to be left at Anfield, where Everton manager David Moyes and assistant Alan Irvine laid flowers on Saturday with the message: “With heartfelt sympathy, from David Moyes and everyone at Everton Football Club.”
Manchester City-supporting brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher paid their own tribute at Oasis’ comeback gig at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Friday night when, during the final bars of Live Forever, a picture of Jota was displayed to cheers and applause.
Diogo Jota Funeral: Why Cristiano Ronaldo Was Absent – And ‘Fans’ Slammed for Taking ‘Disrespectful’ Photos
Thousands gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, for a joint funeral service. Jota, 28, and André, 25, died last Thursday in a tragic car accident. The service was led by D. Manuel Linda, the Bishop of Porto. It included moving hymns such as The Lord Is My Shepherd, Hallelujah and Ave Maria. However, the solemn moment was marred when members of the public flooded to the gravesite and began taking photos and selfies next to the headstones. Supporters described the behaviour as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘shameful’, accusing those involved of turning a moment of collective mourning into a spectacle. Cristiano Ronaldo was expected to attend but was reportedly seen holidaying in Majorca on his £5.5 million yacht instead. The 40-year-old Portugal captain was also not seen at the funeral of Jota’s brother, André Silva, who died in a car accident last Thursday. The Liverpool forward’s wife, Rute Cardoso, was seen placing a rose on his coffin and holding it as she followed the procession.
Jota, 28, and André, 25, died last Thursday in a tragic car accident. On Saturday (6 July), thousands gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, for a joint funeral service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, who shares three young children with the Liverpool forward, was seen placing a rose on his coffin and holding it as she followed the procession, visibly devastated. Only family and close friends were allowed inside the church, but a livestream was broadcast outside for the large crowd lining the streets.
The service, led by D. Manuel Linda, the Bishop of Porto, included moving hymns such as The Lord Is My Shepherd, Hallelujah and Ave Maria. Bishop Linda addressed Jota’s children directly in an emotional message: ‘If it is difficult to see an adult cry, it is even more difficult to see a child cry. We are here with you emotionally. Too bad for us if we didn’t cry.’
Outrage as fans disrespect gravesite
After the funeral, the brothers were laid to rest in a cemetery next to the church. However, the solemn moment was marred when members of the public flooded to the gravesite and began taking photos and selfies next to the headstones.
Police were called to disperse the crowds, but many returned shortly after, prompting widespread condemnation online. Supporters described the behaviour as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘shameful’, accusing those involved of turning a moment of collective mourning into a spectacle.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo was missing
Adding to the controversy was the absence of Portugal’s most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old Portugal captain was expected to attend alongside Jota’s club and national teammates but was reportedly seen holidaying in Majorca on his £5.5 million yacht instead, according to Ultima Hora.
Portugal united in grief this weekend to bid farewell to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, but the emotional funeral was overshadowed by two controversies: Cristiano Ronaldo’s unexpected absence and the behaviour of some so-called ‘fans’ at the gravesite.
Jota, 28, and André, 25, died last Thursday in a tragic car accident. On Saturday (6 July), thousands gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, for a joint funeral service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, who shares three young children with the Liverpool forward, was seen placing a rose on his coffin and holding it as she followed the procession, visibly devastated. Only family and close friends were allowed inside the church, but a livestream was broadcast outside for the large crowd lining the streets.
The service, led by D. Manuel Linda, the Bishop of Porto, included moving hymns such as The Lord Is My Shepherd, Hallelujah and Ave Maria. Bishop Linda addressed Jota’s children directly in an emotional message: ‘If it is difficult to see an adult cry, it is even more difficult to see a child cry. We are here with you emotionally. Too bad for us if we didn’t cry.’
Outrage as fans disrespect gravesite
After the funeral, the brothers were laid to rest in a cemetery next to the church. However, the solemn moment was marred when members of the public flooded to the gravesite and began taking photos and selfies next to the headstones.
Police were called to disperse the crowds, but many returned shortly after, prompting widespread condemnation online. Supporters described the behaviour as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘shameful’, accusing those involved of turning a moment of collective mourning into a spectacle.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo was missing
Adding to the controversy was the absence of Portugal’s most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old Portugal captain was expected to attend alongside Jota’s club and national teammates but was reportedly seen holidaying in Majorca on his £5.5 million yacht instead, according to Ultima Hora.
Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025
Local media reported sightings of Ronaldo in luxury areas including Illetes and Andratx in the days leading up to the funeral.
Portuguese journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao told local media: ‘He is the captain of the Portugal squad. Many expected he would attend. If he doesn’t, he must explain the reason. He has that responsibility.’
Sports commentator Luis Cristovao called the absence ‘inexplicable’, while TV pundit Pedro Fatela added: ‘All the coaches and players were there. The captain should have stood side by side with his teammates.’
Others defended Ronaldo, suggesting his presence might have drawn attention away from the families and turned the funeral into a media frenzy. One supporter wrote on X: ‘People would have gone just to see Ronaldo, not to honour Diogo.’
Although Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute online, many believed he should have paid his respects in person. In his Instagram message, he wrote: ‘Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.’
Emotional tributes from teammates
Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attended, carrying floral tributes shaped like the brothers’ shirts. Other teammates, including Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, as well as Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, were also present.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez described the day as a ‘moment of unity’, saying: ‘Today we showed we are a large, close family. We are Portugal, and it was essential for us to be together. Their spirit will be with us forever.’
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday (9 July), where family and friends will gather again to remember the two brothers.
As Portugal continues to mourn the loss of Jota and André, Ronaldo’s absence and the disrespect shown at the gravesite have left many questioning what true loyalty and respect look like — both on and off the pitch.
Portugal united in grief this weekend to bid farewell to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, but the emotional funeral was overshadowed by two controversies: Cristiano Ronaldo’s unexpected absence and the behaviour of some so-called ‘fans’ at the gravesite.
Jota, 28, and André, 25, died last Thursday in a tragic car accident. On Saturday (6 July), thousands gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, for a joint funeral service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, who shares three young children with the Liverpool forward, was seen placing a rose on his coffin and holding it as she followed the procession, visibly devastated. Only family and close friends were allowed inside the church, but a livestream was broadcast outside for the large crowd lining the streets.
The service, led by D. Manuel Linda, the Bishop of Porto, included moving hymns such as The Lord Is My Shepherd, Hallelujah and Ave Maria. Bishop Linda addressed Jota’s children directly in an emotional message: ‘If it is difficult to see an adult cry, it is even more difficult to see a child cry. We are here with you emotionally. Too bad for us if we didn’t cry.’
Outrage as fans disrespect gravesite
After the funeral, the brothers were laid to rest in a cemetery next to the church. However, the solemn moment was marred when members of the public flooded to the gravesite and began taking photos and selfies next to the headstones.
Police were called to disperse the crowds, but many returned shortly after, prompting widespread condemnation online. Supporters described the behaviour as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘shameful’, accusing those involved of turning a moment of collective mourning into a spectacle.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo was missing
Adding to the controversy was the absence of Portugal’s most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old Portugal captain was expected to attend alongside Jota’s club and national teammates but was reportedly seen holidaying in Majorca on his £5.5 million yacht instead, according to Ultima Hora.
Local media reported sightings of Ronaldo in luxury areas including Illetes and Andratx in the days leading up to the funeral.
Portuguese journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao told local media: ‘He is the captain of the Portugal squad. Many expected he would attend. If he doesn’t, he must explain the reason. He has that responsibility.’
Sports commentator Luis Cristovao called the absence ‘inexplicable’, while TV pundit Pedro Fatela added: ‘All the coaches and players were there. The captain should have stood side by side with his teammates.’
Others defended Ronaldo, suggesting his presence might have drawn attention away from the families and turned the funeral into a media frenzy. One supporter wrote on X: ‘People would have gone just to see Ronaldo, not to honour Diogo.’
Although Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute online, many believed he should have paid his respects in person. In his Instagram message, he wrote: ‘Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.’
Emotional tributes from teammates
Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attended, carrying floral tributes shaped like the brothers’ shirts. Other teammates, including Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, as well as Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, were also present.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez described the day as a ‘moment of unity’, saying: ‘Today we showed we are a large, close family. We are Portugal, and it was essential for us to be together. Their spirit will be with us forever.’
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday (9 July), where family and friends will gather again to remember the two brothers.
As Portugal continues to mourn the loss of Jota and André, Ronaldo’s absence and the disrespect shown at the gravesite have left many questioning what true loyalty and respect look like — both on and off the pitch.
Local media reported sightings of Ronaldo in luxury areas including Illetes and Andratx in the days leading up to the funeral.
Portuguese journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao told local media: ‘He is the captain of the Portugal squad. Many expected he would attend. If he doesn’t, he must explain the reason. He has that responsibility.’
Sports commentator Luis Cristovao called the absence ‘inexplicable’, while TV pundit Pedro Fatela added: ‘All the coaches and players were there. The captain should have stood side by side with his teammates.’
Others defended Ronaldo, suggesting his presence might have drawn attention away from the families and turned the funeral into a media frenzy. One supporter wrote on X: ‘People would have gone just to see Ronaldo, not to honour Diogo.’
Although Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute online, many believed he should have paid his respects in person. In his Instagram message, he wrote: ‘Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.’
Emotional tributes from teammates
Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attended, carrying floral tributes shaped like the brothers’ shirts. Other teammates, including Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, as well as Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, were also present.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez described the day as a ‘moment of unity’, saying: ‘Today we showed we are a large, close family. We are Portugal, and it was essential for us to be together. Their spirit will be with us forever.’
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday (9 July), where family and friends will gather again to remember the two brothers.
As Portugal continues to mourn the loss of Jota and André, Ronaldo’s absence and the disrespect shown at the gravesite have left many questioning what true loyalty and respect look like — both on and off the pitch.
Family And Football Unite To Bid Diogo Jota Farewell
Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother were laid to rest on Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar. Jota, 28, and Andre Silva, 25, were killed on Thursday after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northwestern Spain and became engulfed in flames. A number of teammates from the national side, including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Danilo Pereira and Joao Felix, as well as coach Roberto Martinez attended, though national skipper Cristiano Ronaldo was not present. British rock band Oasis played their song “Live Forever” in tribute to Jota at a concert in Cardiff marking a return to touring after 16 years. Liverpool opened a book of condolences and lowered flags to half-mast, with dozens of supporters laying a sea of flowers, balloons, Jota shirts, and scarves with the message “Rest in peace DiogoJota”, outside Anfield. The death of the Portugal international has triggered an outpouring of emotion in football, and beyond.
Jota, 28, and Andre Silva, 25, were killed on Thursday after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northwestern Spain and became engulfed in flames, a week after the Portugal forward had got married.
Just hours before the accident, Jota had posted a video of his June 22 wedding to partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children.
Football stars joined family and friends at the funeral in his hometown of Gondomar, near Porto and conducted by the bishop of Porto.
A number of teammates from the national side, including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Danilo Pereira and Joao Felix, as well as coach Roberto Martinez attended, though national skipper Cristiano Ronaldo was not present.
Liverpool Virgil van Dijk bore a garlanded wreath of red flowers in the form of a Liverpool shirt bearing Jota’s number 20.
Friday evening had seen Van Dijk, several players including Liverpool’s Uruguay international Darwin Nunez and Liverpool coach Arne Slot meet with Jota’s family and attend a wake for the deceased brothers.
Among those who came to offer their condolences were a childhood friend, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes and Porto club president Andre Villas-Boas.
Jota formerly played with Porto.
“Football is truly in mourning. Diogo was an icon of the talent Portuguese football represents,” said football federation chief Pedro Proenca.
Close family and friends including the parents paid their respects at Friday’s wake first, with the grandfather aided by two others to help him enter the chapel.
Friday night, British rock band Oasis played their song “Live Forever” in tribute to Jota at a concert in Cardiff marking a return to touring after 16 years.
Mourners arrived carrying wreaths of flowers, some sobbing audibly, before the wake was opened to members of the public.
The death of the Portugal international and his brother has triggered an outpouring of emotion in football, and beyond.
Liverpool opened a book of condolences and lowered flags to half-mast, with dozens of supporters laying a sea of flowers, balloons, Jota shirts, and scarves with the message “Rest in peace Diogo Jota”, outside Anfield.
At the Diogo Jota football academy, close to Gondomar SC where the ex-Porto and Atletico Madrid player took his first steps in the game, well-wishers created a memorial with flowers, scarves, candles and shirts.
“Thank you, Diogo Jota,” read a child’s handwritten message.
Pedro Neves, who was friends with Jota at school in Gondomar, said he “will remember him as someone who was very friendly, very courteous, who loved everyone, who always had a smile on his face”.
“He left us too young, it’s not fair. But that’s how life is sometimes,” Neves, 31, told AFP.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who brought Jota to the Reds in 2020, has said he was “heartbroken” while the club spoke of an “unimaginable loss”.
Slot, who succeeded Klopp last year at Anfield, said everyone associated with the club owed it to Jota to “stand together and be there for one another”.
Jota was remembered at the Club World Cup in the United States on Friday, with a one-minute silence held at the quarter-final between Brazil’s Fluminense and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in Orlando.
A minute’s silence was similarly held at women’s Euro 25 matches.
Liverpool’s Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah said the death of his teammate had left him “frightened” to return to the club as the Premier League champions postponed the return of some players for pre-season training.
Mourners paying their respects to Diogo Jota and his brother at Friday’s wake (Credit: AFP)
A tribute to Diogo Jota at the football academy he set up in Gondomar (Credit: AFP)
Diogo Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso follows his coffin following the ceremony at the Mother Church of Gondomar, outside Porto (Credit: AFP)