The town of Gondomar, nestled in northern Portugal, became the emotional centre of the footballing world on Friday as hundreds of mourners gathered to honour the lives of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Grieving fans along with stars like Ricardo Horta and Joao Moutinho lined up, many holding Portugal flags, floral bouquets and personal tokens, silently forming long queues outside the Chapel of the Resurrection.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Fans line up to pay tribute to JotaTeammates spotted at his wakePortugal's President De Sousa also dropped inFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Tears flowed freely as people came together to remember two lives cut short far too soon. The profound loss resonated at the highest echelons of the country as Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro were both present in Gondomar to extend their condolences to the grieving family. Joining them were stars of Portuguese football including Moutinho, Diogo Dalot and Horta, who were all visibly shaken as they stood in solidarity with the community. Jorge Mendes, Jota’s long-time agent and close associate, also arrived to pay his respects.
AdvertisementGetty Images NewsA CITY IN MOURNING
Liverpool chief executive Michael Edwards arrived in Gondomar alongside other senior officials from the club. Among them was Jonathan Power, the club’s director of medicine and performance. Whereas, back at Merseyside, the atmosphere outside Anfield was no less sorrowful. The iconic Paisley Gates were covered with makeshift banners and messages written by fans. Each carried a name: Diogo Jota. And each reflected the pain of a supporter base still grappling with disbelief. Items from Tranmere Rovers, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Borussia Monchengladbach and Boavista were among those laid in tribute.
FOOTBALLING RIVALS JOIN THE VIGIL
Among those seen at Anfield were former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and current Everton players Beto and Youssef Chermiti. They stood side-by-side with fans, contributing flowers and scarves to the growing memorial.
DID YOU KNOW?
As a young boy, Jota began his career with local side Gondomar SC. In recognition of his rise to global stardom, the club named its academy in his honour in 2022. The facility’s entrance features a powerful quote attributed to Jota: “It’s not about where we come from but where we’re going to.” These words, now especially poignant, serve as a lasting reminder of the dreams he once chased on those very grounds.