The funeral services for Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, are scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 5th, just two days after their untimely deaths in a car crash.
According to ESPN, the somber ceremony will commence at 10 a.m. local time in Gondomar, Portugal, at the Matriz de Gondomar church, located approximately 33 kilometers from Porto.
The swift arrangements for the final rites follow the tragic accident near Zamora, Spain, on Thursday, which claimed the lives of both brothers.
The decision for a rapid burial follows the immediate transfer of their bodies, which arrived in hearses in Gondomar, André Silva’s birthplace, just before midnight on Thursday. Local residents met the procession with applause, marking an emotional reception.
A wake was set to precede the funeral, taking place from afternoon local time on Friday.
The funeral for Diogo Jota and his brother is being held relatively quickly, due to Portuguese funeral traditions, which often involve a wake within 48 hours of death and a funeral service shortly after.
According to the Portugal News, funerals typically take place very quickly after a death, often within 24 to 48 hours. This is much faster than in many other countries, where funerals might be scheduled a week or more later. While the timing is expedited, there is often a wake with an open coffin for friends and family to pay their respects.
The investigation into the cause of the fatal accident is ongoing, Spain’s Guardia Civil confirmed on Friday, with a preliminary inquiry suggesting that a blown tire while overtaking may have contributed to the incident. A Spanish government official, Ángel Blanco, noted on Thursday that the car involved was completely burned, with both individuals inside.
Further context surrounding their travel emerged from Miguel Gonçalves, a Portuguese physiotherapist who had recently treated Jota. Jota had undergone minor surgery on his right lung at the end of the season and was advised to travel by car instead of flying.
Gonçalves stated that Jota, who had just won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, was “practically perfect” after post-operative physiotherapy. The physiotherapist confirmed Jota’s plans to drive approximately eight hours, with a stop in Burgos for rest, before reaching Santander to catch a ferry to England, where he had a doctor’s appointment on Monday.
Jota’s agent, Jorge Mendes, traveled to Zamora to be with the family, expressing profound sorrow.
“We’ve lost two great people. Diogo is a good example as a person, husband, son, and professional. I still can’t believe it, it’s very difficult,” Mendes tearfully told reporters.
In honor of André Silva, who played for Portuguese second-division club Penafiel last season, the club has declared a day of mourning and announced plans to pay tribute to him at upcoming sporting events.
by moses sagwe
