Shock and Debate as Four Liverpool Stars Miss Diogo Jota’s Funeral
The football world continues to mourn the devastating loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André following a fatal car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025. But a Sky Sports report has stirred controversy after revealing that four key Liverpool players—Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Díaz—were absent from Jota’s funeral, held at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Portugal.
Their nonappearance during such a tragic moment for the club and Jota’s loved ones has sparked emotional reactions from supporters, with many voicing disappointment and frustration across social media.
Tragedy on the A-52
Jota, 28, and his younger brother André, 25, a professional footballer for Penafiel, lost their lives in a high-speed crash on the A-52 near Cernadilla. The incident reportedly occurred after a suspected tire blowout caused their Lamborghini to veer off-road and burst into flames.
The loss is even more heartbreaking given that Jota had married Rute Cardoso just 11 days earlier and was the father of three. He had been driving to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK for Liverpool’s pre-season, as doctors had advised against flying due to a recent lung operation.
A City in Mourning
Jota, who scored 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool and played a vital role in the club’s Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup triumphs, was honored by a long list of attendees, including manager Arne Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk, and players like Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Federico Chiesa. Former teammates Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, and Fabinho were also present.
Portuguese football figures, such as Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix, stood in solidarity with the family, while Van Dijk and Robertson carried floral tributes marked with the brothers’ squad numbers—No. 20 and No. 30.
Absent Names, Unanswered Questions
Despite the overwhelming turnout, the absence of Salah, Alisson, Szoboszlai, and Díaz raised eyebrows. Their decision not to attend drew criticism online, with one fan posting, “Salah, Alisson, Diaz, and Szoboszlai not showing up to Jota’s funeral is piss poor—where’s the loyalty?”
Others, however, pushed for compassion. “Long-haul travel from South America isn’t simple. Salah might be dealing with personal matters,” a supporter posted. In fact, Alisson later took to Instagram, explaining that a family situation in Brazil kept him from attending, while expressing deep sorrow and sharing memories of Jota’s warmth.
An Emotional Divide
The no-shows have prompted deeper conversations around team unity and expectations, particularly after Salah had publicly mourned Jota and admitted being “frightened” to return to Liverpool following the tragedy. Critics questioned why a figure of his stature didn’t attend in person.
Still, some defended the players, noting the short notice, emotional strain, and logistical challenges tied to international commitments.
Liverpool have since postponed pre-season fitness testing to July 7, giving the squad space to grieve. Meanwhile, fans have gathered in cities like Porto, Liverpool, and Wolverhampton, leaving flowers, scarves, and handwritten tributes. A minute’s silence across football events, including Women’s Euro 2025, further highlighted the shared grief.
Legacy Over Absence
While the absence of four notable teammates casts a shadow over the ceremony, the overwhelming global response serves as a testament to Jota’s legacy—on and off the pitch. For many, the tragedy has transcended football, and though emotions remain raw, the focus remains on remembering a player and brother who gave so much—and left too soon.
