Portugal’s women’s national team honoured the memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva ahead of their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group stage opener against Spain, following the tragic news of the siblings’ deaths in a car accident.

The match, held on Thursday, took place under a sombre cloud as the footballing world continued to mourn the loss of the Liverpool and Portugal forward and his younger brother. In a poignant tribute, the Portuguese players wore black armbands for the fixture, while a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off — a gesture mirrored across all UEFA Women’s Euro matches scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

Tributes from the stands

At Wankdorf Stadium, supporters created a powerful atmosphere of remembrance. A large banner reading “Thanks for everything” was unfurled in tribute to the brothers. Fans held up shirts, signs, and photographs during the moment of silence, turning the stands into a collective act of grief and respect. The heartfelt display reflected the emotional weight of the occasion, uniting both Portuguese and Spanish fans in mourning.

Portuguese FA statement

Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), released an official statement expressing the profound sense of loss felt across the national football community.

“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva in Spain this morning,” Proença said.

“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.

“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.

“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.”

A legacy remembered

Diogo Jota had become a cornerstone of the national team since his senior debut, amassing 49 international caps. The 28-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists for Portugal and was instrumental in helping the team lift the UEFA Nations League title on two occasions. His footballing journey — defined by excellence, dedication, and humility — left a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, and supporters alike.

His younger brother André Silva, 26, played for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division. Both were tragically killed when their vehicle veered off a motorway in Zamora, northern Spain, and burst into flames.

As the Portuguese women took to the pitch against Spain, they did so carrying not just the hopes of a nation in tournament play, but also the collective grief of a footballing family in mourning — determined to honour Diogo and André through resilience, unity, and love for the beautiful game.