Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has revealed the sad reason why he won’t be able to attend the funeral of team-mate Diogo Jota on Saturday morning
Liverpool Retire No. 20 Shirt as Diogo Jota’s Funeral Set for Saturday in Gondomar
The football world remains in mourning following the heartbreaking deaths of Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva, who were tragically killed in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, during the early hours of Thursday morning.
Initial reports from the Guardia Civil confirmed that the vehicle the brothers were traveling in suffered a tyre blowout while attempting to overtake another car. The loss of control caused the vehicle to veer off the road before catching fire. Emergency calls made to Spain’s 112 services reported that the car was “engulfed in flames” when first responders arrived.
Authorities later identified the two victims as the 28-year-old Liverpool forward and his 25-year-old brother, who had been accompanying him back to England ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season return.
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Liverpool Lead Global Tributes
Liverpool FC, the club Jota had proudly represented for five years, led the outpouring of grief. Manager Arne Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk, and star players like Mohamed Salah all released heartfelt statements mourning the loss of a teammate and friend.
In a touching gesture of remembrance, the club has officially retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt. A digital and physical book of condolence has also been made available for supporters to sign—either online or at Anfield.
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Funeral Plans and Alisson’s Tribute
Jota’s funeral will take place on Saturday morning in his hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, following a traditional Portuguese wake that begins 48 hours after a death. Due to travel schedules and personal circumstances, it remains unclear how many of Jota’s Liverpool teammates and staff will be able to attend the service.
Among those most affected is Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s long-time goalkeeper and one of Jota’s closest friends at the club. Though unable to attend the funeral in person due to being overseas, Alisson shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“Once again, an ocean separates me from saying goodbye to someone I love,” Alisson wrote, posting a black-and-white photo of their two families together.
“But I know that I am well represented by my club mates.
To you, my friend Rute Cardoso [Jota’s wife], just know that you will never walk alone. We will be with you as soon as possible.”
Alisson also included a moving passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, reflecting on the season of loss and grief.
“In a moment like this, all we can do is bow before the Sovereignty of God and receive grace and help in this time,” he added.
“I’ll remember Diogo as a great friend, father, and husband.”
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Jota’s loss has deeply shaken the Liverpool community, both on and off the pitch. His legacy, however, will endure—through memories, tributes, and the impact he made in just five short years at Anfield.