Heartbreak and grief swept through the Portuguese town of Gondomar today, as hundreds of mourners gathered to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, just days after the tragic crash that took their lives.

The brothers died in a devastating accident in Spain last Thursday. According to Spanish officials, the vehicle they were travelling in veered off the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking. The impact proved fatal for both Jota, 28, and his younger brother André.

The Liverpool forward had only recently celebrated a major life milestone, marrying his long-term partner just 11 days before the fatal incident. The couple share three young children, now left without their father.

Family, friends, and footballing figures from across Europe were seen filing into the local church in Gondomar. The atmosphere was one of quiet devastation as former and current teammates arrived together, many visibly emotional.

“There’s a shared sombreness as teammates past and present walk in together,” reported Sofia Ferreira Santos from the scene.

Outside the church, a sea of supporters stood in silence, many wearing Liverpool shirts, holding flowers, and draped in Portuguese flags. Chants of "You'll Never Walk Alone" were softly sung by fans who had travelled from across the country to pay tribute.

Jota, known for his passion on the pitch and dedication to both club and country, was widely admired not only for his footballing ability but for his humility and devotion to his family.

The funeral service was filled with tributes from loved ones, with one emotional eulogy from a childhood friend recalling how “Diogo never forgot where he came from,” and “he carried Gondomar with him everywhere.”

Tributes have poured in from around the footballing world, with Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp describing Jota as “the heartbeat of the dressing room” and “a player who gave everything for the badge.” Portugal’s national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, also posted a message of condolence, calling the loss “unimaginable.”

As the coffins were carried out of the church, applause broke out, followed by chants of Jota’s name echoing through the streets of the town he proudly called home.

The tragic passing of Diogo Jota and André Silva leaves behind not only a family and a fanbase in mourning — but a reminder of how fragile life is, even for those who seem larger than it.

‍