Liverpool Players Join Together to Pay Respects to Diogo Jota and André Silva | OneFootball

Liverpool Gather in Mourning for Diogo Jota

There are few moments in football more sobering than the collective silence of a team in mourning. On 5 July 2025, Liverpool Football Club stood together in Gondomar, Portugal, not on the pitch, but in grief, paying their respects to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Both had tragically lost their lives two days earlier, sending shockwaves far beyond the game.

The funeral, held at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, brought together teammates, friends and staff who had shared so much with Jota, a player who had not only scored goals but left a profound impact on those around him. The loss cut deep, and so too did the presence of those who came to remember him.

Players Stand Together in Gondomar

Among those in attendance were captain Virgil van Dijk, full-back Andy Robertson and striker Darwin Nunez, whose presence at the service spoke volumes. In a show of affection and honour, both Robertson and Van Dijk carried floral tributes before the service began, a simple but touching gesture.

Though the church was reserved for family and close friends, the public had the chance to join via livestream, witnessing a service that reflected the character of both Jota and André. It was not just about remembering their footballing careers, but about the lives they lived with humility and grace.

Arne Slot’s Emotional Tribute

Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title just weeks earlier, offered words that captured the rawness of the moment.

“What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?”

Slot did not speak as a manager but as someone who had known and cared deeply for Jota.

“Diogo was not just our player,” he said. “He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate, and in all of those roles, he was very special.”

He reflected on their final conversation, a memory now frozen in time.

“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.”

Legacy Etched in Red

Liverpool has always understood the weight of its badge in moments of tragedy. From the floral tributes laid outside Anfield to the public unity shown in Portugal, the club continues to honour Jota not just with words but with action.

Slot promised: “When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals, and we will sing his song.”

Until then, the focus remains on mourning and on supporting those left behind. Diogo Jota may have worn the number 20 shirt, but he meant so much more. His talent was obvious, his humility even more so. As fans, teammates and friends continue to pay respects, one truth remains certain: he will never be forgotten.