The Portuguese women`s national team paid a heartfelt tribute to the lives of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva during their UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 group stage opener against Spain on Thursday. The tragic news of their deaths in a car crash deeply affected the football community, prompting the team to wear black armbands for the match. Additionally, a minute of silence was observed at all UEFA Women`s Euro matches on Thursday and Friday in their memory.
Stadium Tributes
Fans inside the Stadium Wankdorf displayed a banner that read `Thanks for everything` in remembrance of the brothers. Numerous other tributes were also seen from supporters. During the minute of silence, fans held up signs, jerseys, and pictures honoring Jota and Silva, creating a poignant atmosphere before the match began.
Portuguese FA President`s Statement
In an official statement, the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proença, expressed profound grief. He stated, “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. 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.”
Proença extended the Federation`s deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to their respective clubs, Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel. He concluded, “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.”
Diogo Jota was a decorated international player, having lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy twice with Portugal. He earned 49 caps for the senior national team, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists.
Dominic Ashworth