Diogo Jota, Liverpool, car crash, funeral, Portugal, soccer”>
GONDOMAR, Portugal – Friday, July 4, 2025
A community grieves the loss of their hometown hero.
Family and friends gathered to mourn Diogo Jota and his brother.
- Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, died in a car crash near Zamora, Spain.
- A wake was held Friday at Capela da Ressurreição São cosme in Gondomar.
- The funeral for the brothers is planned for Saturday at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church.
- Liverpool fans honored jota at Anfield Stadium.
The sudden death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has sent shockwaves through the soccer world, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance.
Joaquim, center, father of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, is embraced at a church where their bodies have been brought for a wake and funeral (Source: Associated Press)
Family and friends gathered at the Capela da Ressurreição São Cosme on Friday for a wake, a day after Jota, 28, and his brother, André Silva, 25, tragically died in a car crash. The chapel is located next to the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church, where the funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
Mourners, including the brothers’ parents and Jota’s agent, Jorge Mendes, embraced and wept before entering the chapel. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also attended to pay his respects.Flowers and candles were left by a tree outside the chapel.
A hometown mourns
Ricardo Alves, a resident of Gondomar, shared his sorrow for the loss of the local star. “It is indeed a great sadness. Although I did not know him personally he was from here and I knew many of his friends from the region where he lived,” Alves said. “It is indeed a great loss,he is a young man,with a lot still to give and he had a somewhat tragic fate.”
Jota and Silva were found dead near Zamora in northwestern Spain after the Lamborghini they were driving crashed on an isolated highway just after midnight on Thursday and burst into flames. Spanish government officials confirmed that the bodies were repatriated to Portugal after being identified by the family.
Gondomar, a working-class town near Porto where Jota was born, was home to both Jota and his parents. It’s also where he began his soccer career as a child.
Did you know? Diogo Jota married Rute Cardoso in 2020 and they have two children.
The brothers were reportedly traveling together so they could “spend some time together on the trip.”
Spanish police have not yet released information about which brother was driving the vehicle.
Tributes from Liverpool and Beyond
News of the accident brought condolences from Portuguese officials and figures throughout the soccer world. A moment of silence was observed before Portugal’s match against Spain at the women’s European Championship in Switzerland on Thursday.
Liverpool fans continued to leave flowers and scarves outside Anfield Stadium for a second day. Jordan Henderson, former Liverpool captain, also paid his respects by placing a bouquet at the memorial.
Liverpool supporters wearing shirts in memory of Diogo Jota at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool. (Source: Associated Press)
Liverpool’s players are scheduled to return from their summer break on Monday. Mohamed Salah expressed the difficulty of returning to the team without Jota on social media.
“Teammates come and go but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back,” Salah wrote. “My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children.Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.”
Quick fact: Jota started playing soccer at age 9.
FAQ: Diogo Jota’s Tragic Death
When and where did Diogo Jota and his brother die?
Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, died in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain just after midnight on thursday.
Where was the wake held for Diogo Jota and his brother?
The wake was held at the Capela da Ressurreição São Cosme in Gondomar, Portugal on Friday.
When is the funeral planned for diogo Jota and his brother?
The funeral is planned for Saturday at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church.
• Legacy and Impact: Explore Jota’s broader impact on the sport and within his community, including any charitable work or community involvement.
• Inquiry Updates: Provide any available details about the ongoing investigation into the car crash,including possible causes or findings.
• Tribute to Liverpool: Highlight any ongoing tributes at Anfield, and possibly the club’s plans for honoring Jota.
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Beyond the Pitch: Jota’s Impact
While Diogo Jota was known for his talent on the soccer field, his impact extended beyond the sport. Although specific details of charitable work or community involvement are still emerging, it’s known that Jota frequently returned to Gondomar to support local initiatives. His success served as an inspiration to young aspiring athletes.
Local news outlets reported that Jota frequently enough contributed to youth soccer programs in Gondomar, providing both financial support and mentorship. His dedication to his hometown, coupled with his on-field achievements, cemented his status as a beloved figure, embodying the town’s spirit of hard work and perseverance.
The Investigation Continues
Spanish authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the car crash that claimed the lives of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva. Initial reports indicated that the crash occurred on a less-traveled highway near Zamora and that the vehicle, a Lamborghini, burst into flames. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on several potential factors, including weather conditions, speed, and mechanical failure.
Forensic examinations are being conducted on the vehicle to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether any mechanical issues contributed to the accident. Toxicology reports, which are part of standard procedure in such cases, are also being carried out. Further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
Honoring Jota at Anfield
Following the news of Diogo Jota’s death,Liverpool fans have mobilized to create a space for remembrance.The club and its fans are coordinating plans for a more permanent tribute at Anfield Stadium. The club’s official website and social media channels are sharing a dedicated space for fans to offer condolences, share memories of the player, and follow details about planned memorial events.
Beyond the immediate displays of grief,plans are underway for how the team will honor Jota during the upcoming season. The club will continue to provide updates on any official ceremonies or acknowledgements of the player’s legacy.
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