Liverpool players and staff are expected to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on Saturday morning in Gondomar, Portugal, following the tragic car accident that claimed both their lives.
The joint funeral will take place at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, a 17th-century Catholic church in the town where Jota grew up. Thousands of mourners are expected to gather, with only a small group allowed inside the church while the rest will pay their respects outside.
Although the club has not officially released the full list of attending players, several members of Liverpool’s staff and former stars have already been seen in Portugal.
Club doctor Jonathan Power, head physio Lee Nobes, and sporting director Richard Hughes attended the wake on Friday. They were joined by FSG football bosses Michael Edwards and Julian Ward, showing the depth of support from all levels of the club.
Former Liverpool players Thiago Alcântara and Fabinho were also pictured at the wake, along with Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot, super agent Jorge Mendes, and former Chelsea manager André Villas-Boas.
According to PA Sport, Liverpool are believed to have chartered a private flight to Portugal for players to attend the funeral. While most of the squad remains on summer break, reports from Portugal say several first-team players are expected to fly in. Local broadcaster SIC stated that Jota’s “heartbroken colleagues” would arrive in time for the 10 am funeral mass.
Liverpool have delayed the start of pre-season testing out of respect. Arne Slot’s squad was due to return on Friday, but the club postponed the schedule to allow players and staff to grieve together.
Manager Arne Slot described the sense of loss as “absolute”, saying:
“Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us… We need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another.”
Tributes have poured in across the football world and beyond. Jota’s former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson travelled to Anfield, where he left a personal note and flowers. “Rest in peace, my friend, along with your brother Andre. We will all miss you,” the message read.
Flags at Anfield are flying at half-mast, club stores have shut, and stadium tours have been cancelled as Liverpool mourns one of their own.
The final farewell on Saturday will be a deeply emotional moment, not just for Liverpool but for the whole of Portugal.
