The family of Diogo Jota and his younger brother, Andre Silva, have been joined by the tragic Liverpool striker’s team-mates, Premier League stars, Anfield chiefs and thousands of fans as they lay their sons to rest on Saturday morning.
The emotional ceremony, which begins at 10am, takes place in Gondomar, outside Porto, following Friday night’s wake and widespread tributes to the duo, who sadly died on Thursday.
The Premier League footballer and his younger brother both lost their lives in a devastating crash near Zamora close to Spain’s north-west border with Portugal. The tragic incident occurred just days after Jota’s marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso – who had to identify her husband and his brother after the crash.
Hundreds attended the wake at the Capela da Ressurreicao on Friday, with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports’ CEO of Football Michael Edwards leading an LFC delegation. A number of Liverpool stars are also in attendance on Saturday, along with former Kop players Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho – as well as Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva – having all paid tribute on Friday.
Keep up with all the latest from Gondomar, as the footballing world comes together to pay tribute and say farewell to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
Ben Crawford
“Everyone is devastated”
Diogo Jota has been hailed as a ‘humble’ individual who ‘never said no to fans’ by the owner of a coffee shop he frequented during his time with Wolves.
Tributes have not stopped pouring in for the late Portugal forward, and one individual who knew Jota and his wife Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children, incredibly well is former Wolverhampton coffee shop owner Monica Ferreira.
Ferreira lived in the city for about six years, and there, she pioneered with her shop, Aromas De Portugal. Wolves’ Portuguese contingent were big fans of the venue, and Jota often visited with his partner, having joined the club in 2018 before leaving for Anfield two years later.
“I opened my coffee shop and he was one of the first customers,” Ferreira told Mirror Sport. “Myself, I don’t know too much about football, so I didn’t know him in the first place. My husband, when he saw him, recognised him.
“He was a normal customer. He was very polite, very humble as well, like everyone knows. And he was very nice with everyone. After his first visit to the coffee shop, he was a regular. Every time he could come to the coffee shop, he was coming with his wife.
“We did some dinners with Ruben Neves [Former Wolves and current Al-Hilal midfielder] as well. They were very friendly. Really nice people. Everyone is devastated with the news.”
Coffee shop owner Monica Ferreira with Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves (Image:
Monica Ferreira)
Felix Keith
Portugal’s tribute to Jota
The Portugal national team have posted an emotional tribute video to Diogo Jota.
Serás para sempre recordado. Descansa em paz, Diogo Jota.
You will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota. pic.twitter.com/VMCSlQ6c8A
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 5, 2025
Felix Keith
Fowler’s message
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler posted his thoughts earlier today.
Thinking of Diogo and Andre’s family and friends today.l
still hard to believe— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) July 5, 2025
Felix Keith
Oasis’ tribute to Jota
Oasis began their reunion tour in Cardiff last night – and there was a classy tribute to Diogo Jota in the midst of their set.
The Gallagher brothers are Manchester City fans, yet dedicated ‘Live Forever’ to Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
(Image:
Daily Mirror)
Felix Keith
Players remembered at Club World Cup
Chelsea beat Palmeiras 2-1 to progress at the Club World Cup last night. Before the game, there was a minute’s silence to remember Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
There was a tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva before Chelsea vs Palmeiras (Image:
Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, who played with Jota for Portugal, was particularly emotional.
Felix Keith
Jota’s best friend in football
Diogo Jota once described Ruben Neves as his best friend in football – and his former team-mate was there for him today.
Despite having been at the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal in the United States yesterday – where he struggled to compose himself due to the overwhelming emotion – Neves was there today at his funeral on the outskirts of Porto.
Neves enjoyed brilliant moments on the pitch with Jota, getting Wolves promoted from the Championship by winning the title in 2017/18 and winning the Nations League with Portugal last month.
Today, he helped carry his coffin.
It was an immensely difficult day for Ruben Neves (Image:
FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Felix Keith
Flags at half mast
Diogo Jota started his career with local side Gondomar, where today’s funeral took place, before moving on to Paços de Ferreira.
He spent three years with the Portuguese side, based in Porto, before signing for Atletico Madrid as his career took off.
The club have lowered their flag to half mast today as a tribute to their former player.
— FC Paços de Ferreira (@fcpf) July 5, 2025
Felix Keith
Tributes at Molineux
Diogo Jota spent three seasons with Wolves before joining Liverpool for £45million.
He got 44 goals and 19 assists in 131 appearances for Wolves and his legacy will live on at Molineux, where fans have been laying flowers today.
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 5, 2025
Felix Keith
More from the Bishop
Here is another excerpt from the Bishop’s Homily to the congregation earlier.
He said: “We are here for two reasons: for a solidarity in love, stronger than death; but also so that our faith in God may obtain from Him such a new and beautiful life for these two dead and that we also do not sink into discouragement and the complete darkness of night. May we have faith and hope. For Jesus assures us that He Himself is the resurrection and the new life. And that those who believe, even subject to bodily death, will not be subject to eternal death, because their communion of life with Christ will never be broken or destroyed.
“This communion of life is made through baptism and good works. Your father, Diogo, was baptized almost two months after he was born. And your uncle André, exactly one month after he was born.”
It was an emotional ceremony (Image:
FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Patrick Hill
The Bishop’s message to Jota’s children
During his Homily, The Bishop of Porto Dom Manuel Linda sent a message to Jota’s three young children, who did not attend.
Speaking to the packed congregation, he said: “Dear Dinis, Duarte and Mafalda, you don’t know who I am and I don’t know you personally either. But I know that, at this moment, you are suffering immensely. Or maybe you don’t, because you don’t even realize the tragedy that has befallen your family. You will become aware of it later. And it will be terrible. But I will pray a lot to Jesus for you.
“The one who suffers a lot is your mother, D. Rute. She is heartbroken! So are your grandparents, D. Isabel and Mr. Joaquim and other members of your family. Seeing in front of you an urn with the mortal remains of a son must be the ultimate torment. But when it is not just one urn, but two, of two brothers… there are no words. And here are the urns with what is left of your father Diogo and your uncle André.
There are no words, but there are feelings.”
Felix Keith
Liverpool players united in their grief
There are Liverpool players of past and present in Gondomar today to pay their respects to Diogo Jota.
Current players like Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Ibrahima Konate and Connor Bradley were joined by former Reds Caoimhin Kelleher and Jordan Henderson this morning.
Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Ibrahima Konate, Connor Bradley, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jordan Henderson leaving the church (Image:
Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Felix Keith
Nuno Espirito Santo in attendance
Nuno Espirito Santo is now the manager of Nottingham Forest, but he was previously the boss of Wolves, where Diogo Jota made his name in England.
Jota spent three seasons at Wolves – all of which came under the management of his Portuguese compatriot Nuno.
Nuno Espirito Santo leaving the ceremony (Image:
FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Felix Keith
Police swoop in the graveyard
Police were forced to clear members of the public out of the graveyard earlier amid disrespectful scenes.
Felix Keith
Emotional scenes
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is among the mourners to have left the church after the funeral ceremony.
Tragically, he only got one season to work with Diogo Jota.
Arne Slot after the funeral ceremony (Image:
FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Scott Trotter
Team-mates mourn their friend
There was no shortage of familiar faces at the funeral and both Diogo and Andre were clearly respected by their team-mates.
Bruno Fernandes following the funeral (Image:
PA Wire.)
KEY EVENT
Graveyard closed
Shortly after the burial of Jota and his brother Andre ended, the graveyard was reopened up to the public.
The graveyard could not remain open for long (Image:
Phil Harris)
Patrick Hill
The service
The Bishop of Porto Dom Manuel Linda led the service.
In a heartfelt message to Jota’s three children, who did not attend the service, the Bishop told the children he had a message for them, which included him explaining why so many people, including VIPs, had attended the one hour service.
His voice trembling with emotion, he told them he would pray “a lot” for them and told the congregation, including Jota’s wife Rute: “If it is difficult to see an adult cry, it is even more difficult to see a child cry”.
He added: “The ones who suffer a lot are your mother and your grandparents. Seeing the mortal remains of a child must be a greater torment, but when there are two urns there are no words.”
Scott Trotter
Bernardo Silva pays tribute
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has paid a touching tribute to Diogo Jota and suggested the no.20 he wears will now bear even greater significance.
Speaking TVI, per Record, he said: “I can’t even imagine the pain felt by the family, by Rute, by the children, by the parents. For André and Jota. I must say a little about Jota, who was a great friend to all of us. His career, although not the most important, speaks for itself. He didn’t train at any of the big clubs and took the most difficult paths. His passion, will and determination allowed him to succeed in life and have a brilliant career. More important than that, as a person… the memories that remain… Jota will always be in our hearts. He will always be present at every breakfast, lunch, dinner, national team gathering, PlayStation or card game.”
“It’s a very tough episode for all of us, because we spent a lot of time together. The memories I have with him are fantastic. Those happy memories will remain, he will be present in every victory. I’m sure we will remember him with great joy every day,” he added.
Silva added: “number 20 was already special and now it will be even more so.
“We were rivals and teammates for many years. He is a great friend, he was present at my wedding. Unfortunately, I was not at his, because he was at the Club World Cup. It is a family that will always be with us and that we will try to preserve.”
Bernardo Silva paid tribute to Diogo Jota (Image:
Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Patrick Hill
Touching music
The choice of music at today’s funeral service was particularly poignant for Diogo Jota’s family as it was performed by the same musicians who played at his wedding less than two weeks ago.
Ave Maria, which was the last song performed by soprano Alexandra Quinta e Costa at the end, was also played at the footballer’s wedding at Our Lady of the Lapa Church in Porto on June 22.
Scott Trotter
Roberto Martinez speaks following funeral
The Portugal boss was in attendance today and has spoken to a collection of media.
“Today is a day we showed we are a very large but very close family,” he said. “The world has been together. Thank you for all of your messages and support today we are one football family.
Roberto Martinez spoke following the funeral (Image:
Phil Harris)
Scott Trotter
Emotional morning
People have lined the streets this morning as the loved ones of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva paid their respects. There have been tears and bowed heads as people wanted to be present for the pair’s send off with the service broadcast over speakers.
But those around the church in Portugal offered support too. On multiple occasions the public offered applause to mourners arriving and leaving.
Public mourners gather at the funeral of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva (Image:
PA Wire)
Ben Husband
Arne Slot’s emotional tribute to Diogo Jota
Despite only being at Anfield for a year, Arne Slot has not only delivered success on the pitch, but assumed the ambassadorial role so associated with being Liverpool boss.
Having navigated the difficult experience of the parade crash, the Dutchman was again left to speak on another tragic incident. And he delivered a powerful statement in the hours following Jota’s tragic death.
“What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not,” Slot began. “All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.
“My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.
“My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone. The players, the staff, the supporters of LiverpoolFootball Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.
“This is not solely a response to tragedy. It is also a reaction to the goodness of the people involved and the respect that so many have for the boys as individuals and for the family as a whole.
“For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special.”
Slot continued: “When I first came to the club, one of the first songs I got to know was the one that our fans sing for Diogo. I had not worked with him previously but I knew straight away that if the Liverpool supporters, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot leaves the funeral of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva (Image:
PA Wire)
“That we have lost those qualities in such terrible circumstances is something we have not yet come to terms with. For this reason, we need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves.
“My condolences go to Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children and to the parents of Diogo and Andre Silva. When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song.
“For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten. His name is Diogo.”
Scott Trotter
Respects being paid
As the private ceremony continues, there remains a number of mourners around the church, with the local community very present in Gondomar.
Jordan Henderson leaves the funeral of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva with Alexis Mac Allister and other Liverpool squad members (Image:
PA Wire)
KEY EVENT
Where will the brothers be buried?
Both brothers are going to be buried in the churchyard, which is surrounded by olive trees, less than 100 metres away from the church where the service took place.
Scott Trotter
Private ceremony
The group is now heading towards a cemetery for a private ceremony. People around the church applaud those in the huge group of guests.
The congregation was led by priests (Image:
PA Wire)
Patrick Hill
Procession leaves church
Mourners are now being led out of the church by a priest carrying a silver crucifix. Other priests are carrying candles and incense
Jota’s coffin was carried out of the church after that of his brother Andre’s. Jota’s wife Rute, wearing white, was clearly emotional
Scott Trotter
Mourners exit
It appears the funeral service is ending as people begin to exit the church. Clearly a difficult moment for all involved as they begin to line either side of the doorway.
The priests then once again lead a procession outside of the building.
Patrick Hill
Music sparks emotion
Members of the congregation appeared emotional as Bach’s Air On the G String was played.
Patrick Hill
Major gathering
Thousands of people, including some wearing football shirts, continue to listen to the service via loud speakers set up outside the church.
Public mourners gather at the funeral of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva (Image:
PA Wire)
Scott Trotter
Alisson not in attendance
The Liverpool posted on social media earlier and is in Brazil currently.
“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 @rutecfcardoso14 , just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!
“In a moment like this, all we can do is bow down before the Sovereignty of God, and receive grace and help in this time! I’ll remember Diogo as a great friend, father and husband!”