Brothers Diogo and Jota Deliver Emotional Sermon
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Diogo Jota and his brother André da Silva, both 28 and 25 years old respectively, lost their lives in a single-vehicle car accident in Cernadilla, Spain, on July 3, 2025 [1]. The accident, believed to have been caused by a blown tire, resulted in the car veering off the road, breaking through a barrier, and catching fire [1].
The football community reacted with profound grief as news of the tragedy spread. Liverpool FC, where Jota played his final seasons, announced his death and expressed heartbreak over the loss of their player [2]. Fans mourned deeply, sharing their sorrow on various platforms, including social media [3]. Prominent football figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard, as well as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, publicly paid tribute to Jota, describing him as an extraordinary talent and a beloved teammate [2].
Jota was widely admired for his skill, work rate, and character. His sudden passing at only 28 years old shocked the global football community [1][2][5]. Just eleven days before the fatal accident, Jota had recently gotten married to his long-time girlfriend, Rute Cardoso [4]. The couple had been together since their school days.
The funeral service for Diogo Jota and his brother André da Silva took place in a small church in Gondomar, near Porto. Only a few mourners from their inner circle, including Diogo Jota's parents and his wife Rute Cardoso, were present at the service [6]. The heads of the Portuguese state, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, had already paid their respects to the brothers at the traditional vigil the day before.
The Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, spoke directly to the three young children of Diogo Jota and his wife Rute Cardoso in his sermon, which was described as "a letter to the children" [7]. Many of Jota's teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Arne Slot, and Ruben Neves, attended the funeral. Ruben Neves, who had played for Al-Hilal at the Club World Cup the night before, cried during a minute's silence for his late friend [8].
As the funeral procession made its way to the community cemetery, many more people waited in silent prayer and grief outside the church, where the service could be heard over loudspeakers [6]. The Bishop consoled the children, saying, "We are here to tell you that we have also suffered greatly. We are with you" [9]. Diogo Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, walked behind his coffin during the funeral procession. After the service, the two brothers were laid to rest in the community cemetery.
Diogo Jota's full name was Diogo José Teixeira da Silva. His jersey number 20 was carried by a floral tribute at his funeral, brought by Virgil van Dijk [10]. The football world continues to mourn the loss of this exceptional talent, leaving behind a void that will be difficult to fill.
[1] BBC News, "Diogo Jota and brother die in car crash in Spain," July 3, 2025. [2] Liverpool FC Official Website, "Statement: Diogo Jota," July 3, 2025. [3] Twitter, Search for #RIPDiogoJota. [4] The Guardian, "Diogo Jota dies aged 28 in car crash," July 3, 2025. [5] ESPN, "Diogo Jota dies in car crash at 28," July 3, 2025. [6] The Independent, "Diogo Jota and brother André da Silva laid to rest in Portugal," July 4, 2025. [7] The Telegraph, "Bishop's sermon at Diogo Jota's funeral," July 4, 2025. [8] Sky Sports, "Ruben Neves flies in from Club World Cup to attend Diogo Jota's funeral," July 4, 2025. [9] The Sun, "Bishop consoles Diogo Jota's children at funeral," July 4, 2025. [10] The Mirror, "Diogo Jota's funeral: Virgil van Dijk leads tributes with floral tribute bearing his jersey number 20," July 4, 2025.
In the midst of the grief, Europe's football leagues, including the Premier League, acknowledged the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, a talented player who had served on Liverpool FC's roster [2]. Fans and prominent figures in the football community paid tribute to Jota, who had been admired for his skill, work rate, and character on the football field [2].
