Following the terrible passing of Portuguese international Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 26, who were killed in a car collision in Spain on Thursday, the football world is mourning. The reason for the collision involving a Lamborghini that burst into flames is still under investigation.
Close friends and former teammates of Jota, João Cancelo, and Rúben Neves flew to Portugal only hours after playing in Al Hilal’s 21 Club World Cup defeat to Fluminense to be at the funeral. Serving as a pallbearer, Neves shared on Instagram a very emotional tribute remembering their friendship and vowing to help Jota’s family.
“You’ll always be there with me… I’ll make sure your family never lacks anything,” Neves wrote in an emotional message.
Both players were clearly affected before kickoff during a moment of silence observed in honor of Jota.
Joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota had made 79 starts, scored 47 goals, and contributed to the club’s Premier League title in 2024–25. Captain Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool, coach Arne Slot, and several other staff members went to Portugal to pay respect.
Worldwide tributes poured in. Portugal winger Pedro Neto held up a jersey with the names Diogo and André during Chelsea’s Club World Cup match against Palmeiras. Black ribbons were worn by tennis players Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral at Wimbledon, which prompted the All England Club to loosen its all-white dress code in a rare gesture of respect.
During their reunion performance in Cardiff, rock band Oasis displayed an image of Jota in his Liverpool shirt behind the stage in a heartbreaking scene.
Spanish Civil Guard officers verified both siblings passed away at the location. With officials yet to verify who was driving or if a blown tire led to the accident, an inquiry is in progress.
Jota’s untimely passing has left a great hole in Portuguese and worldwide football. For those who knew him—teammates, coaches, fans—he was more than simply a prolific forward. Family he was.
