Diogo Jota's family, friends and teammates joined in grief today to bid their final farewell to the Liverpool footballer and his brother, Andre Silva, who lost their lives in a tragic car accident on Thursday.
The funeral ceremony was held at the "Igreja Matriz de Gondomar" church in the two brothers' hometown, where thousands of people gathered to honor their lives and contributions.
Only family and close friends were allowed to enter the church, while for others, the audio of the mass was broadcast live through speakers outside the facility.
Among those present was Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, 28, who was seen holding a white rose in her hand and touching her husband's coffin.
The couple shared three children together – two boys and a girl – and had been married just 11 days before the tragedy.
The funeral mass was led by the Bishop of Porto, D. Manuel Linda, who addressed a touching message to Jota's children – Dinis, Mafalda and Duarte – who were not present at the ceremony.
"Dear children who are not here, perhaps you are suffering a lot, or perhaps you do not understand yet. I will pray a lot for you," he said.
"When there are two coffins, there are no words... but there are feelings. We are here with you emotionally. It is human to cry - too bad for us if we didn't."
The bishop also spoke about the importance of sport as a unifier of values, such as respect and discipline, noting that both brothers were serious, respectful, and dedicated people.
Guests sang hymns such as "The Lord is My Shepherd," "Hallelujah," and Bach's classic "Air On AG String," while "Ave Maria" was played as the coffins left the church.
Many of Jota's Liverpool and Portugal teammates were in attendance, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, James Milner, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva. Van Dijk wore a crown with the number 20 - Jota's shirt - while Robertson wore another with the number 30 for Andre Silva.
Among the pallbearers was Ruben Neves, who had travelled by private jet from the US to be present after playing in the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal the previous night.
Jota's wife, Rute, was supported by family members as she followed his coffin to the cemetery near the church, surrounded by olive trees. It is there that the two brothers will finally be laid to rest.
On July 9, at 21:00 PM, a memorial mass will also be held in the same church, where family and friends will share memories and prayers for the two sons of Gondomar who touched the hearts of an entire nation./Express newspaper/
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