The Portuguese women`s national team paid tribute to the lives of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, ahead of their UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 group stage opener against Spain on Thursday. The news of Jota and his brother`s death in a car crash has deeply saddened the football community. As a mark of respect, the team wore black armbands during the match, and a minute`s silence was observed.
Tributes from the Stadium
At Stadium Wankdorf, fans displayed various tributes, including a banner that read `Thanks for everything` in remembrance of the brothers. During the minute of silence observed before kickoff, many held up signs, jerseys, and pictures in their honor, creating a somber atmosphere.
Statement from the Portuguese FA
In an official statement, the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proenca, expressed the federation`s devastation. “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning,” he said.
Proenca continued, “Beyond being an exceptional player with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, known for his contagious joy and positive influence within his community. On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, their respective clubs.”
He concluded, “We have lost two champions. Their passing is an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we are committed to honoring their legacy.”
Jota won the UEFA Nations League title twice with Portugal. He earned 49 caps for the senior team, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists.
