Diogo Jota's Wife and His Best Friend Ruben Neves Took Part in Carrying His Coffin at His Funeral — Video

Family, friends, and football stars gathered in sorrow as Diogo Jota was laid to rest, with emotional tributes pouring in for the player whose sudden death has left the sporting world in shock.

The funeral for Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who tragically died alongside his younger brother André Silva in a car crash, was held in his hometown of Gondomar, Portugal. Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, who had married him just 11 days before the tragedy, was seen following closely behind the pallbearers as her husband's coffin was carried from the church.

The couple shared three young children, and Cardoso's grief was evident as she remained near the casket throughout the service. Joining the pallbearers was Jota's closest friend, Ruben Neves, who also took part in carrying the coffin. At one moment, Cardoso was seen leaning on Neves’s hand for support.

The service drew several notable figures from the world of football, including Bernardo Silva, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, and Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson, who arrived bearing floral tributes.

Portugal's national team coach, Martinez, arrived dressed entirely in black — a black suit, black shirt, and matching tie. He maintained a composed but serious expression as he walked past the crowds waiting outside the church.

Silva attended dressed in a dark suit paired with a white dress shirt, worn without a tie for an understated but respectful appearance. He carried a large floral arrangement of white roses and greenery, tied with a white ribbon. His expression was solemn as he walked near the church.

Liverpool captain van Dijk wore a simple black short-sleeved shirt and black trousers, accessorized only with dark sunglasses. He carried a floral wreath shaped like a red football jersey with the number 20, referencing Jota's shirt number.

Walking alongside van Dijk was Liverpool left-back Robertson, dressed in a classic black suit, white shirt, and black tie. He carried a similar floral tribute, this one marked with the number 30 to honor Silva.

Despite the family's request for privacy, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. Many wore club and national team scarves and shirts.

As the coffins arrived, with several mourners accompanying the pallbearers, a respectful ripple of applause moved through the crowd.

Back in Liverpool, tributes began to appear outside Anfield as people left flowers, scarves, shirts, and handwritten messages to honor the memory of Jota and his brother. The area outside the stadium quickly transformed into a sea of red and white, with supporters leaving their respects.

Neves also shared his own tribute on Instagram, calling Jota more than a friend. In his message, he promised to keep the late star's memory alive and to care for those he left behind. "From today on, you will enter the field with me and we will follow our path together," he wrote, closing the message with "Amo-te."

The football world at large also joined in mourning. Liverpool FC shared their heartbreak in a simple but moving message, writing, “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.” The club also requested the public to give Jota and Silva's loved ones privacy to process what they called "an unimaginable loss."

Manchester United also expressed their sorrow by sharing heartfelt condolences for Jota and his brother, as well as everyone associated with Liverpool FC. Similarly, Manchester City conveyed their shock and sadness upon hearing about Jota's passing.

They offered their sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and the Liverpool Football Club community, ending their message with a simple farewell, “Rest in peace, Diogo."

Additionally, the Premier League, in its official statement, extended its deepest condolences to Jota's family, friends, and supporters, highlighting that he was a champion who will always be remembered.

As both brothers were laid to rest, the gathering in Gondomar and the tribute that followed served as a testament to the lives they touched. Jota’s legacy — as an athlete, a husband, a father, and a friend — will be remembered far beyond the confines of the pitch.