The football world was stunned this week by the tragic and untimely death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who, along with his brother Andre Silva, lost his life in a devastating car crash in Spain. Now, details have emerged about Jota’s final hours and the solemn funeral arrangements set to honor the beloved athlete.
In the early hours of Thursday, just before 1 a.m., the brothers’ Lamborghini veered off the A-52 highway near Palacios de Sanabria, close to Zamora, and subsequently burst into flames. Police investigations suggest the accident was caused by a suspected tyre blowout while the car was overtaking another vehicle. Both Diogo Jota, 26, and Andre Silva, 30, died at the scene.
The shocking event came mere days after Jota celebrated a deeply personal milestone—his wedding to childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso, held in a quiet ceremony near Porto, Portugal. The pair’s wedding was a heartfelt occasion, emblematic of Jota’s strong ties to his hometown and family.
In the wake of rampant speculation, Jota’s physiotherapist, Miguel Goncalves, has spoken out to paint a clearer picture of the star’s final hours. Goncalves, a respiratory physiotherapist who worked closely with Jota, strongly refutes rumors that the player had been out partying or engaging in reckless behavior prior to the crash.
“Diogo was an unparalleled professional,” Goncalves told the Portuguese media outlet Record. “He was excited, confident in his recovery, and enthusiastic about the upcoming season.” The physiotherapist confirmed that he had seen Jota and his brother just hours before the crash—at approximately 8:30 p.m.—and that the two were far from any sort of wild night out.
“Diogo and Andre weren’t partying at all. They weren’t in the so-called ‘good mood’ life, they had nothing that deserved any repair. Nothing,” Goncalves emphasized. This testimony challenges early assumptions, providing a somber reminder that even the most vibrant lives can be cut short unexpectedly.
In Portugal, plans for a dignified farewell are now taking shape. According to reports, Jota’s funeral services will begin tomorrow with a wake at São Cosme at 3 p.m., followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, a church located about half an hour from Porto, the city where Jota grew up.
The parish priest, Jose Manuel Macedo, confirmed that a joint wake for both brothers will be held at the Capela da Ressurreicao starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, before the funeral service at Igreja Matriz. The ceremony is expected to draw family, friends, and fans, all united in mourning the loss of two young men whose lives were ended far too soon.
Diogo Jota’s rise to prominence had been swift and impressive. The Portuguese forward had established himself as a key player for Liverpool FC, admired for his agility, technical skill, and relentless work ethic. His dedication to the sport was matched only by his devotion to family—he was a proud father of three.
The football community worldwide has expressed profound shock and sorrow. Tributes from teammates, coaches, and fans alike underscore the void his passing leaves in the sport and beyond.
As funeral plans progress and the world grapples with this tragic loss, one thing remains clear: Diogo Jota’s legacy will endure not only through his achievements on the pitch but also through the love and respect he inspired off it.
It doesn’t make sense’: Ronaldo pays tribute
International team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on X: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married.
“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Mourners to gather in Portugal for wake of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota
Mourners are set to gather to honour Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, a local parish priest has said.
Jota and his younger brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Less than two weeks ago Jota, who was 28, married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. The couple have three children together.
Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am.
According to BBC Sport, Jota was returning for pre-season training next week via ferry after being advised not to fly following minor surgery.
‘One of our own’: How grieving Portugal remembered ‘eternal’ Diogo Jota at Euro 2025
From the darkness, Portugal were faced with an impossible task: to bring some light into the world after the heartbreaking tragedy of losing one of their own.
The death of Diogo Jota had shaken the Portugal team when they woke up on the morning of their opening match of Euro 2025 against Spain. Afterwards, a 5-0 defeat to the world champions barely scratches the surface in the face of such a loss.
“Today is a sad day,” the Portugal head coach Francisco Neto said. “To lose two lives, so young, of course it is hard. We are thinking of the family.
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