Mourners gather in Gondomar as Diogo Jota’s family prepares for final goodbye

Portuguese football star Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva will be laid to rest on Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto. A heartbreaking wake was held on Friday at the Capela da Ressurreição São Cosme church. Family members, close friends, and many locals gathered to say goodbye to the two young men whose lives were tragically cut short in a car crash in Spain.

Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, was seen in deep grief. She had married the footballer on June 22, just days before the accident. They had been together for 10 years and had three children. Relatives had to console her during the wake, where there were scenes of tears, silence, hugs, and prayers. Everyone present was visibly shaken by the loss of the beloved footballer and his brother.

Jota’s father was also seen being comforted by a woman during the wake. The atmosphere outside and inside the church was filled with pain, sadness, and disbelief. Many fans and friends remembered Jota not just as a footballer but as a kind and humble person who always stayed connected to his roots.

Tragic accident in Spain

Jota, 28, and his 25-year-old brother, André Silva, died in a car accident near Zamora in northwestern Spain. It happened just after midnight on Thursday. The brothers were driving a Lamborghini on a lonely stretch of highway when the car suddenly crashed and caught fire. Both of them died at the scene.

Spanish officials confirmed that the crash involved no other vehicle. The bodies were later identified by the family and brought back to Portugal. Spanish police are still investigating what caused the accident.

André Silva was a footballer too. He played for Penafiel, a team in the lower divisions of Portuguese football. While not as famous as his older brother, André was also admired by many in his local community.

After the news of the accident spread, messages of sorrow and support poured in from across the football world. In England, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson broke down in tears while laying flowers at Anfield. He and Jota had played together at Liverpool between 2020 and 2023 and were known to be close friends.

Liverpool fans also laid flower wreaths, scarves, and personal notes outside the stadium to pay their respects. A moment of silence was observed before a women’s European Championship game between Portugal and Spain in Switzerland, showing how deeply Jota’s death touched fans and players alike.

Loved by his Hometown

Diogo Jota grew up in Gondomar, a working-class town next to Porto. He began his football journey there at the age of 9. Even after becoming an international football star, he never forgot where he came from.

Anselmo Serra, a director at Gondomar SC, the club where Jota first played, said, “He never forgot his roots or his friends. He would often invite them to watch Liverpool matches in England.” Serra explained that Jota always stayed in touch with the group of boys he trained with as a child. To his friends and coaches, he was not just a star player, but a genuine and caring person.

Both Jota and his parents had homes in Gondomar. It was a town that had seen him grow, and now it was also the place where he was being mourned. For the people of Gondomar, the loss felt deeply personal.

At Anfield, where he played in front of thousands of fans, and in Portugal, where he wore the national team’s jersey with pride, Diogo Jota had left a strong legacy. His goals, his passion, and his humility made him a role model for many young players.

The wake in Gondomar saw the community come together to honour both Diogo and André. Many who attended were still in shock that such a tragedy could happen so soon after what should have been the happiest time in Jota’s life — his wedding.

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Final goodbye

The funeral for both brothers will be held on Saturday at the same church in Gondomar where the wake took place. It is expected to draw thousands, including teammates, coaches, and fans. Security arrangements have been made, and police will help manage the crowd.

Diogo Jota’s sudden death has left a hole in the hearts of many — his family, his teammates, and his fans. He was known for his hard work, determination, and love for football. But above all, he was known for his strong connection to family and friends.

While the investigations in Spain continue, those who loved Jota and André are focused on remembering their lives, their passion for football, and the joy they brought to others. The brothers will be remembered not just for how they played, but for who they were — loyal, grounded, and kind-hearted individuals who left the world far too soon.

As Portugal and the global football community say goodbye, the legacy of Diogo Jota will live on — in stadiums, in memories, and in the hearts of those who admired him.