Portugal released a moving tribute video after Diogo Jota’s death, which included highlights of his career and moments off the pitch with the national team.
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre, 26 – also a footballer, who played for Portuguese second division side Penafiel – both died on Thursday following a tragic car crash in Spain.
His Lamborghini Huracan had a tyre blow out while he attempted to overtake another vehicle on the A-52 at Cernadilla near Zamora – just ten miles over the border from Portugal.
The football world have joined together in paying their respects to the Liverpool star, whose funeral was held in his hometown Gomorah in Portugal on Saturday morning.
The national team shared a video across their social media accounts, captioned: ‘You will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.’
It culminated with a clip of Jota lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy, which he won with Portugal against Spain last month.
Portugal released a moving tribute video for Diogo Jota after the Liverpool star’s tragic death
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre, 26, both died on Thursday following a tragic car crash in Spain
Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal and won two Nations League trophies for his country
After making his senior debut for Portugal in 2019, Jota made 49 appearances for his country, scoring 14 goals.
The details of Jota’s crash have been thoroughly documented in its aftermath.
Jota’s car is said to have rolled and burst into flames, with emergency services unable to save him and his brother. No other vehicles were involved, police said.
The siblings were heading to Santander to catch a ferry to Britain after Diogo was advised not to fly following lung surgery, it was reported in his home country.
Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash and two fatalities at around 12.35am on Thursday. Diogo and Andre’s deaths were then confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation at around 8am.
Jota’s death sent shockwaves through the footballing world and fans have gathered in their hundreds to lay and offer their condolences.
Tributes from all over have poured in since Jota’s tragic accident, with the sport’s biggest names – such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – leading the testimonials.
The tragedy came just days after Jota married his new wife Rute Cardoso – who he shares three young children with – on June 22.
The tragedy came just days after Jota married his new wife Rute Cardoso – who he shares three young children with – on June 22
Andre (left) was also a footballer, suiting up for Portuguese second division club Penafiel
On Friday, hundreds of mourners lined the streets of Gondomar to pay their final respects to Jota at the city’s chapel.
Fans snaked around the Portuguese principality as the tearful crowd queued to honour the Premier League hero before his funeral.
Mourners sobbed and carried roses and national team scarves in homage to Jota, who won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal less than a month ago.
Aerial footage showed queues stretching from the small chapel, around the corner to the nearby church where his funeral will be held.
Jota’s heartbroken wife and parents gathered at a wake and held a vigil at the coffins of the former Wolves striker and his brother Andre.
The town overlooking Porto is where the couple met and started dating as teenagers. They married two weeks ago and have three young children.
Diogo and Andre’s mother Isabel, father Joaquim and their grandfather were emotional on arriving at the chapel.
Joaquim hugged several people and was supported by his brother and later raised a hand to mourners as he left with his wife. They returned around an hour later.
Lines can be seen on the road where the Lamborghini overtook a car and then straight into the crash barriers
Hundreds of fans laid flowers and scarves outside Liverpool’s home stadium on Thursday
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also attended the wake along with Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes. The President of Portugal, Marcelo de Sousa, came later.
The wake got underway on Friday afternoon ahead of funeral mass in the neighbouring church – the Igrega Matriz de Gondomar – at 10am on Saturday.
Many big names attended Jota’s funeral, including some of his Portugal team-mates and the Liverpool squad.
Ex-Liverpool club captain Jordan Henderson and James Milner had joined their former team-mates. Members of Liverpool’s hierarchy were in attendance, including FSG’s chief executive of football Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, sporting director.
Family and friends were seen in tears as they carried their coffins into the church.
Distraught loved ones, including Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso, were seen walking through the the brothers’ hometown of Gondomar in tears while other distraught mourners were being held up as they walked.
Only family and friends are allowed inside the church, however a livestream with audio of the service, lead by the Bishop of Porto, will be played outside to thousands of mourners who are expected to line the streets to pay their respects.
Ruben Neves, who played alongside Jota with Wolves and Portugal, and Joao Cancelo both made transatlantic trips in order to attend the ceremony.
Vigil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson carried floral tributes in honour of Jota and his brother Andre Silva as they attended their funeral in Gondomar
Members of Liverpool’s squad were applauded by crowds as they attended the funeral of their late team-mate
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, centre, was solemn as he attended the funeral service
The coffins of Jota and Andre Silva were brought into the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar
Members of the brothers’ family carry their coffins into the church ahead of the service
On Friday night, Neves and Cancelo had played at the Club World Cup in the United States for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Both Portugal internationals were emotional during tributes for their late team-mate ahead of the match in Orlando, Florida.
