Distraught family, friends and teammates of Liverpool star Diogo Jota have gathered for his funeral after he died in a car crash in Spain.
The father-of-three died alongside his brother, Andre Silva, after their Lamborghini burst into flames following a tyre blowout in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The mood was sombre as dozens of stars from the Liverpool and Portugal national teams arrived at the Capela da Ressurreicao, where just 11 days ago Jota had married his wife, Rute Cardoso.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and left-back Andy Robertson carried football shirt-shaped wreaths with Jota’s Number 20 on the back, followed closely by manager Arne Slot and other players from the club.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, Joao Felix of Chelsea, and Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva of Manchester City, were among the other footballing stars, legends, agents and media figures also pictured.
As the funeral bells rang out, family and friends carried and followed the two coffins into the Capela da Ressurreicao in heart-rending scenes.
Diogo Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso, who he married just weeks ago. She was held closely by another woman as she followed behind her husband’s coffin, one hand rested on top.
The funeral began at 10am and the sound is being broadcast to the hundreds of reporters and mourners outside the church.
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Key points
- Funeral comes to an end as Jota's weeping wife helps carry coffin
- Jota's teammate and close friend Ruben Neves acts as pallbearer
- Van Dijk and Slot among Liverpool stars to arrive carrying wreaths
- Funeral begins after distraught family follow coffins into church
- What we know about the fatal car crash
Bernardo Silva: He will remain in our hearts forever
15:28 , Alex CroftManchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who was Jota’s Portugal teammate, paid tribute to his fellow Portugal international while speaking to media after the funeral.
Here is what he told Portuguese broadcaster TVI:
I can’t even imagine the pain of the family, of Rute, of the children, of the parents. 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. 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 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.
Wolves share emotional film celebrating Diogo Jota
15:10 , Alex CroftYou made us happy, Diogo.
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 5, 2025
We will never forget you. pic.twitter.com/tAtOm1IP5I
Remembering Diogo Jota's popular chant
14:43 , Alex CroftThe Liverpool chant for Diogo Jota was a clear fan favourite.
It quickly became one of the most popular chants after taking off in the away end in the Emirates in 2022 after Jota had scored two goals against Arsenal, while he was on scintillating form for his club.
And there is no doubt that it will be belted full volume from the Kop end throughout next season as Liverpool fans pay tribute to their former star.
To the tune of Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Liverpool fans sung:
"Oh, he wears the No 20 / He will take us to victory / And when he’s running down the left wing / He’ll cut inside and score for LFC / He’s a lad from Portugal / Better than Figo don’t you know / Oh, his name is Diogo!"
Watch: Moment Diogo Jota's wife and teammates arrive at funeral for Liverpool star and his brother
14:24 , Alex CroftDiogo Jota: The fan favourite who achieved more than he ever dreamed possible
14:02 , Alex CroftThe caption is more poignant now, even as the words have proved horribly wrong. “Yes to forever,” wrote Diogo Jota, accompanying social-media pictures of his wedding to his long-time partner Rute Cardoso. Within two weeks, Jota’s forever had ended, the Liverpool and Portugal forward killed in a car crash in Spain, along with his brother Andre Silva. His new wife is already a widow, his three young children left without a father.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” said Cristiano Ronaldo, his Portugal captain. There is a feeling of shock whenever a life is suddenly cruelly cut short, and Jota was just 28. It is still greater when someone has seemed as full of life as Jota did. He was often a smiling figure; “someone with an infectious joy,” Pedro Proenca, head of the Portuguese Football Federation, said. He was popular wherever he went. “Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves,” his previous club said. Wolves described themselves as “heartbroken”, Liverpool as “devastated”.
Richard Jolly writes:
Diogo Jota: The fan favourite who achieved more than he ever dreamed possible
Liverpool open books of condolences
13:40 , Alex CroftLiverpool FC has opened physical and digital books of condolence in the wake of the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
Supporters and members of the public can go to the Anfield Road Stand reception area over the coming days to sign a message.
The online book can be found at https://www.liverpoolfc.com/club/diogo-jota-supporter-condolences.
Watch: Portugal manager Roberto Martinez pays tribute to Diogo Jota at funeral
13:20 , Alex CroftIn pictures: Footballers mourn loss of two of their own
13:02 , Alex Croft
'We are all one football family', says Roberto Martinez
12:44 , Alex CroftPortuguese national football team coach has said it has been proven that Diogo Jota and Andre Silva’s friends are a “very large and close family”.
Here is what he told reporters after the funeral:
They are really sad days, as you can imagine, but today we have shown we are a very large, but close family.
We are Portugal, and 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 receive all over the world. It means a lot, and today we are all one football family.
Watch: Liverpool stars arrive at funeral for Diogo Jota and his brother carrying wreaths
12:21 , Alex CroftIn pictures: Liverpool fans pay respects outside Anfield
11:59 , Alex Croft
Jota's teammate and close friend Ruben Neves acts as pallbearer
11:36Among the pallbearers at Diogo Jota and Andre Silva’s funeral today was Ruben Neves, one of his teammates for both club and country.
Neves flew to Portugal from Florida overnight, where he played a Club World Cup match for Al Hilal. Along with his Portuguese teammate Joao Cancelo he was seen sobbing during a moment’s silence before the game.
Jota and Neves played together since they were young, both representing the Portugal national team at youth level.
They joined Wolves at the same time in 2017, both establishing themselves as exciting young players in the Premier League, and developing a close bond during the three years they played together.
“You know what you mean to me as much as I know what I mean to you,” Neves wrote in his tribute to Jota on Friday. “More than a friendship, we're family, and we won't stop being that just because you've decided to sign a contract a little further away from us.”
He said he would “make sure that your loved ones never lack anything while you're there, far away but thinking of us, waiting for us”.
Funeral comes to an end as Jota's weeping wife helps carry coffin
11:11 , Alex CroftThe funeral mass of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva has come to a close.
Ave Maria is being played out on the loudspeakers as funeralgoers embrace, many in tears.
As the church bells again begin to ring out, the coffins are carried out of the church, with photos of the brothers leading in front.
Andre Silva’s coffin comes first, with family members in tears behind.
Next comes Diogo Jota’s coffin. Ruben Neves, Jota’s Portugal and former Wolves teammate - and one of his best friends - is one of the pallbearers.
Rute Cardoso, his wife who he married just 11 days ago, is helping to carry the coffin. She sobs as she rests her head on the coffin while walking.
It is unclear where they will now be taken.
Jota 'absolutely adored' his brother Andre
11:03 , Alex CroftAaron Barton, a Portuguese football expert from Liverpool, has been speaking to the BBC about Andre Silva’s career - and his relationship with brother Diogo Jota.
Silva was a “talented” player, Mr Barton said, a versatile attacker who could play across the front three.
“He was someone that Diogo absolutely adored,” Mr Barton added. “On multiple occasions in interviews, Diogo Jota was asked who his favourite footballer is.
“And he would always answer: Andre Silva. He would say Cristian Ronaldo was his idol, but his favourite player to watch was his brother, Andre SIlva.
“I think that really hit home how close the bond between the two brothers was. They did everything together, they travelled together, and they’d frequently watch each other play when they could.”
Family and friends follow as coffin brought into church
10:36 , Alex Croft
Funeral service begins after coffins carried into church
10:22 , Alex CroftThe coffins holding Diogo Jota and Andrew Silva have entered the church, where the funeral service is now underway.
As the funeral bells rang out, family and friends carried and followed the two coffins into the Capela da Ressurreicao in truly heart-rending scenes.
They were followed by distraught family members, including Diogo Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso, who he married just weeks ago. She was held closely by another woman as she followed behind her husband’s coffin, one hand rested on top.
The attendees are now inside the church, with some gathered outside as the crowd spills outside the church.
The service has begun and the sound is being broadcast outside the church.
Former teammates pictured carrying coffin at service
10:14 , Alex CroftFormer teammates have been pictured carrying a coffin during the funeral service of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
It is unclear who is inside the coffin.
Priest who married Diogo and his wife to be part of service
10:10 , Alex CroftThe priest who married Diogo Jota with his wife Rute Cardoso will play a role in the ceremony, Sky News is reporting.
This was a request of Rute, it added.
The pair married just weeks ago in the same church where the funeral is now being held.
More high-profile arrivals pictured
10:04 , Alex Croft
Reminder: What are the plans for the funeral?
09:56 , Alex CroftA reminder that the funeral is due to begin at 10am local time (10am UK time).
Dozens of footballing stars, legends, coaches, and other figures, from agents to media figures, have all arrived in the small city of Gondomar to pay their respects.
They cut solemn figures, appearing emotional as they walk up to the Capela da Ressurreicao.
Media figures have been told they cannot church for the funeral, but the sound from inside will be broadcast to those outside.
Liverpool FC players and coaches arrive carrying wreaths
09:46 , Alex CroftLiverpool club captain Virgil van Dijk has been pictured among the Liverpool players and coaches to arrive at the funeral.
Van Dijk and left-back Andy Robertson werecarrying football shirt-shaped wreaths with Jota’s Number 20 on the back.
Manager Arne Slot has also arrived at the funeral, walking alongside centre-back Joe Gomez.
Some more Liverpool stars have been seen. Stay with us as we bring the latest pictures to you.
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara arrive
09:39 , Alex Croft
Remembering Diogo Jota's popular chant
09:30 , Alex CroftThe Liverpool chant for Diogo Jota was a clear fan favourite.
It quickly became one of the most popular chants after taking off in the away end in the Emirates in 2022 after Jota had scored two goals against Arsenal, while he was on scintillating form for his club.
And there is no doubt that it will be belted full volume from the Kop end throughout next season as Liverpool fans pay tribute to their former star.
To the tune of Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Liverpool fans sung:
"Oh, he wears the No 20 / He will take us to victory / And when he’s running down the left wing / He’ll cut inside and score for LFC / He’s a lad from Portugal / Better than Figo don’t you know / Oh, his name is Diogo!"
Teammates and coaches begin arriving at funeral service
09:22 , Alex CroftWe’re getting more pictures of Diogo Jota’s teammates and coaches arriving at the funeral, including Manchester City and Portugal star Ruben Dias.
Roberto Martinez, the current coach of the national team, has also arrived, as has Jota’s Portugal teammate Nelson Semedo, and Portuguese football legend Ricardo Carvalho.
Jota's family requests privacy for funeral service
09:13 , Alex CroftReporters outside the outside the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar have been asked for privacy during the funeral service of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre.
The family wants the ceremony to be private, members of the media were told in a briefing according to a BBC reporter.
Yesterday, when hundreds arrived in Gondomar to pay their respects during the wake, was too intense, reporters were told.
Nobody will be permitted into the church, but the sound of the service will be played outside, where an area has been set up for people to gather.
Liverpool open books of condolences
09:10 , Alex CroftLiverpool FC has opened physical and digital books of condolence in the wake of the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
Supporters and members of the public can go to the Anfield Road Stand reception area over the coming days to sign a message.
The online book can be found at https://www.liverpoolfc.com/club/diogo-jota-supporter-condolences.
What we know about the fatal car crash involving Jota and his brother Andre
08:54 , Alex CroftMillions of football fans worldwide will follow along as the family, friends and teammates of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, arrive in Gondola for the pair’s funeral.
But what do we know about the devastating crash which shocked the world?
The incident took place at around 12:30am on Thursday local time, on the A-52 road in Zamora, northwestern Spain.
The crash occurred after a tyre blowout while the car was overtaking another, Spain’s Civil Guard said after the crash.
Jota’s car, reported to be a Lamborghini, left side of the road and erupted in flames. It is unknown which brother was driving.
We know that Diogo Jota was returning to the UK to join pre-season training with Liverpool, after undergoing a minor operation in Portugal. Due to his recent surgery, he had reportedly been advised to take the ferry rather than travel by plane.
Between the two carriageways of the A-52 remains a charred patch of grass, where the car came up in flames.
Jota's former national team coach arrives at funeral
08:47 , Alex CroftFormer Portugese national team coach Fernando Santos has arrived at the location of the funeral.
Santos gave Diogo Jota his international debut in November 2019, when he came on as a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo in a 6-0 win against Lithuania in a Uefa Euro 2020 qualifier.
It would be nearly one year later, in September 2020, when Jota scored his first international goal under Santos in a 4-1 home win against Croatia in the Uefa Nations League.
Santos coached the national team from 2014 until 2022.
Highly emotional scenes as family members gather in Gondola
08:42 , Alex Croft
Portuguese physiotherapist reveals last moments with Jota
08:27 , Alex CroftMiguel Gonçalves was the Portuguese physiotherapist who had treated Diogo Jota with minor surgery on his right lung, shortly before his tragic death.
Here is what Mr Gonçalves told Record of Costa about his last days with Jota, according to Marca:
The base of his right lung had collapsed slightly, but with post-operative physiotherapy he was practically perfect.
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.
The family would arrive later by plane, and then on Monday, he had a doctor's appointment in Liverpool to assess the situation. I started working with him last Saturday and was with him every day until Wednesday. I said goodbye to them at dinner time.
Pictured: Jota's wife arrives on day of funeral ceremony
08:16 , Alex Croft
Liverpool postpone pre-season return following death of forward Diogo Jot
08:10 , Alex CroftLiverpool have cancelled the phased return of players for pre-season training as they continue to mourn the death of forward Diogo Jota.
The first group of Arne Slot’s squad were scheduled to attend the club’s AXA training complex on Friday for the opening round of physical tests after their summer break.
It is understood that has been postponed as the club deals with the aftermath of the shocking tragedy which saw 28-year-old Jota and his brother Andre Silva killed in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday.
Some of the squad was seen arriving for Diogo Jota’s wake on Friday, and they are due to attend his funeral in Gondomar on Saturday.
Liverpool to pay out rest of Jota's contract to family
08:00 , Alex CroftLiverpool FC will pay out the remainder of Diogo Jota’s contract to his family, according to reports in Portugal.
Two years remained of the star’s contract, which will be paid to the family, Record reported.
Past and present Liverpool teammates arrive at wake on Friday
07:50 , Alex CroftA number of Diogo Jota’s teammates arrived on Friday evening at the wake for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
In solemn scenes, players including club captain Virgil van Dijk, former captain Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, Caoimhin Kelleher, and James Milner arrived to pay their respects.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was also seen.
Applause broke out as they approached the site of the wake.
Emotional scenes in Portugal as the Liverpool squad arrive for Diogo Jota’s wake.pic.twitter.com/CW1Sz69U6a
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 5, 2025
Oasis pay tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota at reunion show
07:44 , Alex CroftOasis paid tribute to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, who this week died in a car accident, at their first reunion show.
The Manchester band, led by Liam and Noel Gallagher, kicked off their tour at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Friday (4 July), one day after the Portuguese sportsman was found dead with his brother, Andre Silver, in the Spanish city of Zamora.
Oasis played the outro for 1994 song “Live Forever” when the back of Jota’s No 20 Liverpool shirt was emblazoned on the screen, which got a huge roar of applause from the 75,000-strong audience.
One fan lifted a Portugal flag in the air in honour of the footballer and two red flares were set off during the show.
Our culture and lifestyle news editor Jacob Stolworthy brings the report:
Oasis pay moving tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota at reunion show
Pictured: Diogo Jota and brother Andre honoured before Chelsea vs Palmeiras match in US
07:34 , Alex Croft
Watch: Jota's Portugal teammate Pedro Neto joins moment of silence
07:27 , Alex CroftPedro Neto held up a Chelsea FC shirt with the names of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre during a moment’s silence before the club’s Club World Cup fixture against Brazilian team Palmeiras last night.
He was visibly emotional as he stood arm-in-arm with teammate Enzo Fernandes for the match in Philadelphia.
It is unclear whether Neto will attend the funeral, as he is currently in the US playing the tournament with Chelsea.
You can watch the moment here:
Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota just won the Nations League together for Portugal and were club teammates for a season at Wolves. Now he must attempt to play a quarter-final with the agony of their loss still so fresh.pic.twitter.com/j03DHUAks8
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 5, 2025
Who is expected to attend the funeral?
07:01 , Athena StavrouDiogo Jota and Andre Silva’s funeral is set to be held on Saturday morning, 2 days after the brothers were killed in a car crash.
Hundreds already came to pay their respects at a private and public wake on Friday in their hometown of Gondomar.
A funeral will be held at 10am.
Family, friends and teammates are expected to attend the ceremony.
Reports have suggested Liverpool FC have chartered a flight to Portugal for the funeral.
Several former and present teammates from Liverpool and Portugal’s national team were already seen on Friday.
What are the funeral arrangements?
06:27 , Athena StavrouDiogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a fatal car crash early on Thursday morning.
There has been an outpouring of grief since, with many paying respects both in Liverpool and Portugal.
On Friday morning, their family held a private wake in the brothers’ hometown of Gondomar near Porto on Friday.
The wake, held at the Capela da Ressurreicao, was then opened to the public at around 3pm.
On Saturday, the funeral is expected to begin at around 10am at the nearby Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme.
