FC Penafiel shares moving tribute following deaths of Jota and brother

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·6 Juli 2025

FC Penafiel shares moving tribute following deaths of Jota and brother

FC Penafiel Pays Tribute After Tragic Loss

FC Penafiel has publicly expressed its heartfelt gratitude following the overwhelming support received in the wake of the tragic deaths of two of its own — Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

The Portuguese second-tier side, where Silva previously played, issued a deeply emotional message acknowledging the widespread condolences. In a statement shared across the club’s official channels, Penafiel said:

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“Futebol Clube de Penafiel SAD deeply thanks all the messages of support, condolences and feelings that have reached us in various forms over the last few days.At a particularly difficult time for our entire Penafiel family, it is with great gratitude that we acknowledge each word, gesture, and demonstration of affection. Thank you!”

This outpouring comes amid national mourning in Portugal and international tributes from across the footballing world.

Liverpool and Wider Football Community Show Support

Liverpool’s current and former players were among the many who travelled to Gondomar, the brothers’ hometown, for Saturday’s funeral. Floral tributes, heartfelt messages, and moments of silence have underscored the unity of football in grief.

Figures such as Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and head coach Arne Slot were present, alongside sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG’s Michael Edwards. Meanwhile, the pitchside area at Anfield became a shrine of remembrance, lined with scarves, shirts, and personal tributes.

Slot, speaking shortly after the news broke, reflected on Jota’s last conversation with him:

“The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.When I first came to the club, one of the first songs I got to know was the one that our fans sing for Diogo. I had not worked with him previously but I knew straight away that if the Liverpool supporters, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities.”

Portuguese Contingent Stand United

Players from across Europe’s elite clubs made their way to pay their respects. Portugal internationals from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City were among those who attended either the wake or the funeral.

Caoimhin Kelleher, James Milner, Fabinho, Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez, and Ryan Gravenberch represented Liverpool past and present. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias joined them in Gondomar to stand alongside their compatriots.

Alisson Becker was unable to attend but posted a heartfelt tribute online, expressing his sorrow and support for Jota’s family.

Merseyside United in Grief

Back in Liverpool, Everton made a poignant gesture. Manager David Moyes visited Anfield personally to lay a floral tribute on behalf of the club. Everton’s message read: