Jota, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 26, tragically died in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning. ..Continue Reading
Initial investigations suggest that their vehicle suffered a tyre failure while overtaking in Zamora, Spain, causing it to veer off the road and ignite.
Spain’s Guardia Civil confirmed that the two victims were identified as Jota and his brother, who played professionally in Portugal’s second division.
On Saturday morning, the funeral service for both men took place in Gondomar, the town near Porto where they were born and raised.
Liverpool were represented by a delegation led by manager Arne Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk, and vice-captain Andy Robertson.
Several of Jota’s current and former teammates also attended, including Fabinho, Thiago, and Jordan Henderson, as well as Portugal internationals Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and national team coach Roberto Martínez.
FC Porto president André Villas-Boas, Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes, and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro were also present to pay their respects.
Before the ceremony began, the family shared a short message with the media, requesting privacy for the service.
According to BBC News, the family explained that Friday’s wake had been emotionally overwhelming, with hundreds of mourners attending to honor the brothers.
As a result, Saturday’s funeral was broadcast outside the church via loudspeakers, and a designated area was set up for the public to gather.
Friday’s wake, held at the Capela da Ressurreição in Gondomar, began as a private event but soon opened to the public as lines of people formed to pay tribute to the two brothers.