The football world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva, who were both killed in a devastating car crash on Wednesday night. The funeral for the two brothers is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto, Portugal. Jota, 28, tragically lost his life when a tyre on his Lamborghini burst, causing the car to veer off the road and ignite in flames.

His brother André, 25, who played professionally for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division, was also inside the vehicle and did not survive the crash. Originally planned for Friday afternoon, the funeral was rescheduled to Saturday at 10 a.m., following confirmation from local priest Father Jose Manuel Macedo. A wake will be held at the São Cosme Chapel, with the funeral mass to follow at the nearby Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, where Jota is believed to have met his wife and started his football journey. It remains unclear whether the family will opt for a private ceremony or allow public attendance.

Earlier today, hearses were seen arriving at a funeral home in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain, where the crash occurred. The brothers were en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK. Jota, who had recently recovered from a rib injury sustained during a match against Chelsea last October, was due to rejoin Liverpool for pre-season preparations later this month. Emergency responders rushed to the accident site in Cernadilla, a known accident hotspot on the A-52 highway in northwestern Spain. Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire, both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were transported to a forensic unit in Zamora for autopsies and have since been released for burial.

Authorities are reportedly investigating whether excessive speed contributed to the fatal crash. Local officials described the stretch of road as “dangerous,” noting that it features sharp bends and high speed limits. Diogo Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £41 million deal, played as a forward, often operating on the left wing. His sudden passing has left the football community in deep shock.

Liverpool Football Club expressed profound sorrow, stating: “Everyone at the club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. This loss is unimaginable.” The club has opened both digital and physical books of condolence. In a joint statement, Liverpool leaders Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner, and Mike Gordon said:

“This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating and has left us numb with grief. We cannot begin to imagine how the immediate and wider family of these remarkable brothers must be feeling. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with them all.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot released an emotional tribute:

“What can anyone say at a time like this? The shock and pain are overwhelming. My thoughts are not just those of a manager, but of a father, brother, and son. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will never forget you.”

International tributes have poured in, including from football legend Lionel Messi, who posted an image of Jota forming a heart with his hands, accompanied by the message “QEPD” (Que En Paz Descanse — Rest In Peace).

Cristiano Ronaldo also shared his grief online:

“It doesn’t make sense. We were just together with the national team. You had just gotten married. My heart breaks.”

The Portuguese Football Federation paid tribute to Jota as both an “exceptional footballer” and “a wonderful person respected by teammates and opponents alike,” noting his nearly 50 appearances for the national team. Just ten days before the tragedy, Diogo Jota had married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso in a heartfelt ceremony. The couple, who have three children — Dinis, Duarte, and a daughter born earlier this year — shared joyful wedding photos with the caption, “June 22, 2025. Yes to forever.” UEFA has confirmed that a minute of silence will be held during tonight’s Women’s Euro 2025 match between Spain and Portugal to honor the fallen football star.