The final farewell to Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva will take place on Saturday, July 6, at 10 a.m. local time, in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, following their tragic deaths in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, on Thursday.
The funeral mass will be held at the Matriz de Gondomar Church, a historic parish located about 33 kilometres from Porto, and is expected to draw a massive turnout of family, friends, football fans, and members of Portugal’s sports fraternity.
A Town in Tears: Wake and Arrival of the Bodies
A wake for the two brothers is currently ongoing at the Capela da Ressurreição São Cosme. Their bodies arrived in separate hearses just before midnight on Friday, where dozens of residents in Gondomar lined the streets, applauding in solemn tribute as the vehicles passed.
Mourners hugged and wept at the chapel, many visibly emotional as they paid their respects. Floral tributes and candles now line the steps of both the church and local landmarks.
Investigations Ongoing: Tire Blow Suspected
Spanish law enforcement, La Guardia Civil, has confirmed that an investigation into the exact cause of the crash is still underway.
However, initial findings suggest that the car may have suffered a tire blowout while overtaking, leading to the deadly accident.
The vehicle was completely burned, and the brothers were found inside.
Health Concerns May Have Changed Travel Plans
In a tragic twist, Jota’s recent health scare may have influenced the decision to travel by road. According to Portuguese physiotherapist Miguel Gonçalves, the Liverpool striker had recently undergone minor surgery on his right lung and was advised not to fly.
“The base of his right lung had collapsed slightly, but with post-operative physiotherapy he was practically perfect,” Gonçalves told Record of Costa, as quoted by Marca.
“When I left him, he was no longer in pain and was going back to Liverpool. He told me that the trip would take about eight hours, but that they would stop at a hotel in the Burgos area to rest. Diogo was very aware of his professionalism.”
“They had to get to Santander, catch the ferry, and then go to England… I said goodbye to them at dinner time on Wednesday.”
Jota had just celebrated Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph last month and was expected back in Liverpool for a post-op check-up on Monday.
Football World in Mourning
Reactions have poured in from across the football world. Liverpool FC, where Jota starred since 2020, has seen fans lay flowers and scarves outside Anfield, with messages of grief and gratitude.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, travelled to Zamora to be with the family and was visibly emotional when speaking to reporters.
“We’ve lost two great people,” Mendes said through tears.
“Diogo is a good example as a person, husband, son, and professional. I still can’t believe it, it’s very difficult.”
Clubs Pay Tribute
Portuguese second division club Penafiel, where André Silva played last season, has declared a day of mourning and announced that tributes will be held at all of the club’s upcoming events.
In a statement, Penafiel described Silva as “a vibrant and dedicated player whose passion for the game lifted everyone around him.”
