Mourners to gather for Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota's wake after horror crash

Mourners prepare to pay their respects to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, who will be honoured at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, according to a local parish priest.

The 28 year old father of three tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain, along with his brother Andre Silva. The devastating incident occurred after the Lamborghini they were in veered off the road and burst into flames, believed to be caused by a tyre blowout.

The crash took place on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday. Jose Manuel Macedo, the parish priest at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, conveyed to PA news agency that the wake for the brothers is scheduled for 8am at the Capela da Ressurreicao, with their funeral to follow on Saturday at 10am at the Igreja Matriz.

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An outpouring of condolences from the football community and beyond emerged for the Portuguese striker on Thursday. Liverpool's manager Arne Slot expressed the club's profound shock, stating, "Diogo was not just our player,".

"He was a loved one to all of us. I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be."

Slot highlighted that Jota "never sought popularity" yet achieved it regardless, being a friend to all and having the ability to uplift others "just by being with them". He reminisced about the last conversation they had, where he wished Jota well for his forthcoming nuptials.

"In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this," Slot expressed with deep sorrow.

Slot remembered being struck by the Liverpool fans' anthem for Jota when he first joined the club, realising "straight away" the player's "special qualities". He said: "When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For now, we grieve for a remarkable individual. He will always be in our hearts."

The Portuguese Football Federation shared its devastation over the news, stating: "Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football."

Police are probing whether a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre caused the Lamborghini to veer off the road, while authorities in Zamora are also considering "a possible speeding incident" as part of their investigation.

The crash, which did not involve any other vehicles, left a trail of wreckage and burnt vehicle parts strewn along the roadside In the wake of the tragedy, Liverpool supporters began paying their respects at Anfield from Thursday morning, placing flowers and heartfelt notes such as "Thanks for everything, Diogo".

Jota was a key figure in Liverpool's Premier League triumph in the 2024/25 season, contributing six goals in 26 matches. Having signed for Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota lifted three major trophies with the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national team, extended his deepest sympathies to Jota's family, expressing his wish for them to find "all the strength in the world " after the Liverpool striker's passing.

Ronaldo's message on Instagram, translated into English, read: "Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you."

The Prince of Wales, who is also the patron of the FA, expressed his deep sorrow over Jota's passing, stating: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him."

Jota and his wife reportedly became a couple in 2013 and have since welcomed three children into their family – two boys and a girl born last November. The footballer often posted snapshots of his family life on Instagram, while his wife shared glimpses of their holidays in exotic locations like Dubai and Lapland. The family also includes three pet beagles.

Just this Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, aged 28, shared a video from their wedding day, captioning it: "A day we will never forget."

Liverpool FC has set up both physical and digital books of condolence following the tragic events, inviting fans and the public to leave their tributes at the Anfield Road Stand reception or online at https://www.liverpoolfc.com/club/diogo-jota-supporter-condolences..

The club has also lowered flags to half-mast at the stadium and closed all club-related facilities until Monday, providing staff with wellbeing support during this difficult time.