Hundreds of mourners gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, on Friday to bid farewell to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who both died in a car crash in Spain.

The brothers, remembered for their impact on football and their humble roots, were honoured by fans, teammates, and national leaders in a deeply emotional farewell in their hometown.

The crash occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora as the two travelled in a Lamborghini. André, who played in Portugal’s second division, and Jota, 28, were returning to Liverpool for pre-season training. Jota had opted for road travel after undergoing minor surgery and being advised not to fly.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro led the tributes, joining crowds carrying flags, flowers, and memorabilia. National team players João Moutinho, Diogo Dalot and Ricardo Horta, as well as Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes, were also present.

A private vigil was held at a chapel before the wake was opened to the public. The funeral will take place Saturday at 10:00 at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme.

Jota, a father of three, had recently married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days before the tragedy. He had recently celebrated a successful year on the pitch, winning both the Nations League with Portugal and the Premier League with Liverpool.

At his boyhood club Gondomar SC, where the academy bears his name, tributes poured in as candles, scarves, and shirts formed a shrine under the words he once said: “It’s not about where we come from but where we’re going to.”

Liverpool FC described his death as a “tragedy that transcends” football. Fans at Anfield gathered to pay their respects, with former captain Jordan Henderson breaking down in tears as he placed a wreath and note that read: “Rest in peace my friend, along with your brother André. We will all miss you.”

Mohamed Salah expressed his heartbreak on social media, writing: “I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break.”

A delegation from Everton, including Portugal-born players Beto and Youssef Chermiti, also honoured Jota at Anfield. Former Liverpool councillor Peter Millea recalled the impact Jota had made on fans since joining the club. “He was one of those players you can easily take to, because of the manner in which he conducted himself on and off the pitch and the important goals he scored,” he said.

Millea noted that fans spontaneously sang Jota’s chant, adding: “I’m sure we’ll hear it loud and clear at Wembley for the Community Shield… and probably forever more.”

At Wolves’ Molineux Stadium, supporters laid tributes, while in Wimbledon, Portuguese tennis player Francisco Cabral wore a black ribbon in his honour. A minute’s silence was observed during the Women’s Euro 2025 match between Denmark and Sweden.

Liverpool cancelled pre-season fitness tests that were scheduled for Friday, with training now set to resume on Monday.