By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 15:55 EDT, 4 July 2025 | Updated: 15:55 EDT, 4 July 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - FIFA paid tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, before kickoff at the Club World Cup quarterfinal between Al Hilal and Fluminense at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Players formed a circle at midfield as the video board displayed a photo of the Portuguese soccer players. The crowd participated in a moment of silence.
Jota, 28, and his brother, André Silva, 25, were found dead near Zamora in northwestern Spain after the Lamborghini they were driving crashed on an isolated stretch of highway just after midnight on Thursday and burst into flames.
Spanish police are investigating the cause of the crash, which did not involve another vehicle, they said. They said they believe it could have been caused by a blown tire.
Jota´s death occurred two weeks after he married longtime partner Rute Cardoso while on vacation following a long season when he helped Liverpool win the Premier League. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year.
Silva played for the Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions.
Players stand during a minute of silence for two soccer players who were killed in a car crash, Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, before the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Fluminense and Al Hilal in Orlando, Fla., Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
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Players of the two teams observe a minute of silence in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, before the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Fluminense and Al Hilal in Orlando, Fla., Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Players of the two teams observe a minute of silence in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, before the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Fluminense and Al Hilal in Orlando, Fla., Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/John Raoux)