The public was excluded from the cemetery as Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were laid to rest on Saturday. The brothers were remembered at a church in Gondomar, close to Porto, Portugal, following their tragic deaths in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday.
Numerous personalities from the world of soccer paid their respects at the poignant ceremony held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar catholic church. Among those present were Jota's Liverpool colleagues, such as Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, as well as several Portuguese internationals, while Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to attend.
The burial came after a private vigil on Friday, which saw the attendance of Jota's wife Rute Cardoso, whom he wed last month, and his family. Despite the overwhelming sorrow, the funeral was conducted with dignity, until issues emerged later on.
The graveyard was initially reopened to the public following the conclusion of the service for Jota and his brother Andre. However, it was promptly shut again due to "disrespectful" individuals entering to take selfies with the gravesites.
Jota and his brother died when the Lamborghini they were in veered off the road in northwestern Spain and burst into flames early on Thursday.
Their passing has elicited a wave of mourning across the football community, and the funeral was marked by profound emotion.
Jota's former Wolves and Portugal team-mate, Joao Neves, made the journey from the United States, where he had been participating in the Club World Cup just hours before, to help carry his coffin.
Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, where Diogo Jota and his brother Andre were laid to rest
Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, where Diogo Jota and his brother Andre were laid to rest
Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva paid a poignant tribute to his international colleague as he spoke outside of the ceremony.
"I can't even imagine the pain of the family, of Rute, of the children, of the parents. For Andre and for Jota," Silva said speaking to AVI, via the Daily Mail.
"I must say a little about Jota, who was a great friend of all of us. His career, although not the most important, speaks for itself. He didn't train at any of the big teams and took the most difficult paths. His passion, will and determination allowed him to succeed in life and have a brilliant career.
Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attend the ceremony
Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attend the ceremony (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
"More important than that, as a person... the memories that remain... Jota will always be in our hearts. He will always be present at every breakfast, lunch, dinner, national team get-together, PlayStation or card game."
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who was also unable to attend, shared his own special message on social media. The Brazilian posted: "Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense!
"Once again, an ocean separates me from “saying goodbye” to someone I love! But I know that I am well represented by my club mates! To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!"