Following reports of the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash, the news sent shockwaves through the football community. In their opening match of the UEFA Women`s Euro group stage against Spain on Thursday, the Portuguese women`s national team paid an emotional tribute to the pair. The team wore black armbands during the match, and a minute`s silence was observed at all UEFA Women`s Euro matches held on Thursday and Friday as a profound mark of remembrance.
Stadium Reactions
Inside Stadium Wankdorf, where the match took place, fans displayed numerous tributes. A banner reading `Thanks for everything` was prominently visible, dedicated to the brothers. During the minute`s silence, supporters held up signs, jerseys, and pictures in their honour, creating a poignant and somber atmosphere in the stadium just before the match commenced.
Statement from the Portuguese FA
In response to the devastating news, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) issued an official statement from its president, Pedro Proença. He conveyed the deep sense of devastation felt by the federation and the entire Portuguese football community, stating:
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.
The statement continued by highlighting Jota`s impact and expressing condolences:
Far 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, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community. On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.
President Proença concluded with a powerful declaration on the significance of their loss:
We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.
During his career with the senior national team, Diogo Jota earned 49 caps, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists. He was also part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League title on two occasions.
