Portugal Mourns Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, 28, and Brother at Vigil After Fatal Car Crash

Diogo Jota’s Wake: Mourners Gather in Portugal After Liverpool Star’s Tragic Death
By Ben Willcocks | Updated: 09:22 BST, 4 July 2025

[Image: A solemn crowd gathers outside a church in Portugal, floral tributes visible. Source: Daily Mail]

Heartbroken friends, family, and fans paid tribute to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota on Thursday during a wake in his hometown of Porto, Portugal. The 28-year-old forward and his brother tragically died in a car accident near Zamora, Spain, sending shockwaves through the global football community.

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020, was celebrated for his tenacity and skill, becoming a fan favorite at Anfield. His untimely passing has prompted an outpouring of grief, with tributes flooding in from teammates, rivals, and supporters worldwide.

[Image: Diogo Jota in a Liverpool jersey during a match, applauding fans. Source: Getty Images]

A Community in Mourning
The wake, held at a local church, saw somber scenes as mourners lined the streets to honor Jota. Floral wreaths and Liverpool scarves adorned the entrance, while fans sang the club’s anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone. Teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were among those who shared emotional farewells on social media.

Investigation Ongoing
Spanish authorities confirmed Jota’s car collided with a lorry on a remote stretch of highway. His brother, who was driving, also died instantly. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though early reports suggest adverse weather may have played a role.

[Image: Emergency responders at the crash site in Zamora. Source: Daily Mail]

Football World Reacts
Jurgen Klopp, Jota’s former manager at Liverpool, called him “a warrior with a golden heart,” while the Premier League announced a minute’s silence at all opening-weekend matches. Portugal’s national team also pledged to wear black armbands in his memory during their upcoming fixtures.

Jota’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, with a private ceremony for family. A public memorial at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium is expected later this month.

[Image: Fans lay flowers at Anfield’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone” sign. Source: Reuters]

Stay with Mail Sport for ongoing updates.

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