Diogo Jota’s widow helps carry his coffin as hundreds gather for football star’s funeral
Thousands of mourners lined the streets holding roses and national team scarves, while a livestream of the service played outside for those unable to enter the packed church.
Ruben Neves, Jota’s Portugal teammate, served as a pallbearer, while Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who was on international duty with Brazil, shared his sorrow from afar on Instagram: “Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense!
“Once again, an ocean separates me from ‘saying goodbye’ to someone I love! But I know that I am well represented by my club mates! To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14 , just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!
“In a moment like this, all we can do is bow down before the Sovereignty of God, and receive grace and help in this time! I’ll remember Diogo as a great friend, father and husband!” he added.
Several Liverpool teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa, Caoimhin Kelleher, and manager Arne Slot, traveled to Gondomar to pay their respects.
Former Liverpool teammates James Milner and Jordan Henderson, who captained Jota when he joined Liverpool in 2020, also attended, with Henderson seen wiping away tears while laying flowers and a scarf outside Anfield before flying to Portugal.
Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes described the loss as “very difficult,” telling reporters: “We lost two great people. Diogo is an example as a person, husband, son, professional. I still can’t believe it, it’s very difficult,” per The Mirror.