The heartbreaking moment of relatives, colleagues and fans before the passing of Diogo Jota.

A mourning atmosphere enveloped the small town north of Porto as hundreds of people lined up around the church to pay their last respects to striker Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 26. Both died in a horrific car crash on a Spanish highway in the early hours of July 3, 2025.

The Lamborghini the two brothers were driving suddenly blew a tire while overtaking another car, lost control, went off the road and burst into flames. Both bodies were brought back to Gondomar amid the heartbreaking grief of family, friends and fans.

From the afternoon of July 4, the chapel in Gondomar was opened to the public. People wore T-shirts with Jota’s image, carried white flowers, Liverpool scarves or shirts of the clubs where he played such as Gondomar, Porto, Paços de Ferreira, Wolverhampton and Liverpool.

The temperature outside reached 31 °C, but people still patiently lined up, orderly, quietly lit candles, bowed their heads to pay their condolences to the family. Along with that were prayers, tears and sobs from fans who once considered Jota a close son of the town.

Liverpool teammates cried in pain as they bid farewell to Diogo Jota, thousands of people lined up in the hot sun to pay their respects to the player - Photo 1.

Thousands of fans lined up outside to pay their respects to Diogo Jota

Liverpool teammates cried in pain as they bid farewell to Diogo Jota, thousands of people lined up in the hot sun to pay their respects to the player - Photo 2.

An atmosphere of mourning pervades everywhere.

Liverpool teammates cried in pain as they bid farewell to Diogo Jota, thousands of people lined up in the hot sun to pay their respects to the player - Photo 3.

Fans flocked to the player’s hometown to pay their respects.

Liverpool teammates cried in pain as they bid farewell to Diogo Jota, thousands of people lined up in the hot sun to pay their respects to the player - Photo 4.

Fans lined up to pay their respects

In Liverpool, the mood was also one of mourning. The club decided to postpone the first training session of the season to pay tribute to Jota. Hundreds of fans gathered outside the main gates of Anfield, laying flowers, red scarves, candles and the number 20 jersey bearing his name.

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson broke down in tears as he laid a wreath and scarf at a memorial plaque outside Anfield. 

Previously, he shared emotionally on his personal page: “Jota, playing football with you is a privilege, but being your friend is even more precious. The pranks on the bus, the times trying to tease Milly (Milner) but failing… You are always a source of positive energy, always bringing laughter.

I know how much Rute and your family meant to you. You’re watching over them from another place now. Thank you for all you brought to this world. We will miss you forever.”

Liverpool teammates cried in pain as they bid farewell to Diogo Jota, thousands of people lined up in the hot sun to pay their respects to the player - Photo 5.

Jordan Henderson cries as he lays flowers for his teammates

Jordan Henderson’s choked emotions

Immediately after the tragedy, Liverpool confirmed that they would permanently retire Diogo Jota’s number 20 shirt as a gesture of gratitude. 

Liverpool FC has taken meaningful actions to pay tribute to Diogo Jota after he and his brother passed away. Immediately after the sad news, the team held a solemn memorial service at Anfield, with the participation of players, coaching staff and fans, together observing a minute of silence for Jota and André. 

Liverpool also announced the establishment of the “Jota & Andre Foundation” to support young talents in difficult circumstances – a beautiful gesture to honor the legacy that Jota left behind.

In addition, the club proactively terminated Jota’s contract to activate a special compensation clause, ensuring financial benefits for his family. The entire £21.84 million (equivalent to the remaining 3 years of salary) will be gradually transferred to Jota’s wife and three young children, helping them stabilize their lives after the great loss.