Diogo Jota's wake takes place in Portugal as former national team colleagues pay respects to Liverpool star

Tears flowed freely as people came together to remember two lives cut short far too soon. The profound loss resonated at the highest echelons of the country as Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro were both present in Gondomar to extend their condolences to the grieving family. Joining them were stars of Portuguese football including Moutinho, Diogo Dalot and Horta, who were all visibly shaken as they stood in solidarity with the community. Jorge Mendes, Jota’s long-time agent and close associate, also arrived to pay his respects.

Liverpool chief executive Michael Edwards arrived in Gondomar alongside other senior officials from the club. Among them was Jonathan Power, the club’s director of medicine and performance. Whereas, back at Merseyside, the atmosphere outside Anfield was no less sorrowful. The iconic Paisley Gates were covered with makeshift banners and messages written by fans. Each carried a name: Diogo Jota. And each reflected the pain of a supporter base still grappling with disbelief. Items from Tranmere Rovers, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Borussia Monchengladbach and Boavista were among those laid in tribute.

Among those seen at Anfield were former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and current Everton players Beto and Youssef Chermiti. They stood side-by-side with fans, contributing flowers and scarves to the growing memorial.

As a young boy, Jota began his career with local side Gondomar SC. In recognition of his rise to global stardom, the club named its academy in his honour in 2022. The facility’s entrance features a powerful quote attributed to Jota: “It’s not about where we come from but where we’re going to.” These words, now especially poignant, serve as a lasting reminder of the dreams he once chased on those very grounds.

Jota and his brother Andre Silva will be laid to rest on Saturday in their hometown, surrounded by family, friends, teammates and supporters. As the football world continues to grapple with the enormity of the tragedy, what remains is the legacy of a man whose journey from the modest pitches of Gondomar to the world’s biggest stages will never be forgotten.