A solemn and emotional atmosphere enveloped the joint funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, held on Saturday morning, drawing an outpouring of support from the football world and beyond.
Family members arrived early, around 8 a.m., joined by a large number of mourners who came to pay their respects.
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Among the earliest attendees was former Portugal national team manager Fernando Santos, reflecting the deep ties the brothers shared with the football community.
Notably, Rúben Neves and João Cancelo made a remarkable journey to attend the funeral. The duo flew overnight from the United States, boarding a flight immediately after Al Hilal’s Club World Cup exit at the hands of Fluminense, underscoring their commitment to honoring their friends.
The ceremony was attended by a host of current and former players who had played alongside Jota during his career.
These included Rui Patrício, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, José Fonte, Danilo, Renato Veiga, and brothers André and Ricardo Horta. Former midfielder Adrien Silva also joined the mourners.
A number of coaches and officials paid tribute in person, including Nuno Espírito Santo—Jota’s former boss at Wolves—Vasco Seabra of Paços de Ferreira, and both Fernando Santos and current Portugal manager Roberto Martínez.
Football administrators also turned out in force, including Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Pedro Proença, his predecessor and current Olympic Committee of Portugal chief Fernando Gomes, Liga Portugal President Reinaldo Teixeira, FC Porto President André Villas-Boas, and Boavista President Fary.
Liverpool’s full squad, led by new manager Arne Slot, arrived collectively to show solidarity. Club captain Virgil van Dijk carried a wreath bearing the number 20, in memory of Jota, while Andy Robertson held another marked with the number 30, representing André Silva.
These floral tributes were laid respectfully outside the church. Former Liverpool teammates, including Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Thiago Alcantara, also made the journey to pay their respects.André Silva’s teammates from Penafiel were also present to mourn the young forward.
The funeral Mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Porto, Dom Manuel Linda. His message focused on hope and was especially directed at Jota’s three young children—Dinis, Duarte, and Mafalda—shared with his partner, Rute Cardoso.
Following the service, the funeral procession moved to a private burial ceremony. Rúben Neves was among the pallbearers, carrying the coffin of his close friend Diogo Jota in one of the most poignant moments of the day.
Many of the mourners had also attended the wake the previous evening, reflecting the deep affection and respect held for both brothers in Portugal and across the footballing world.
