A minute’s silence will be observed before all Women’s European Championship matches on Thursday and Friday, including ahead of the Portugal women’s team clash with Spain on Thursday evening, in tribute to the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
The football world was shaken this morning by the news that Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota died in a car crash in Spain, alongside his brother Andre, 26, who was also a professional footballer.
Jota earned 49 caps for the Portuguese national team, while Andre played for Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions.
The Portugal Women’s team is set to play the reigning world champions in their opening group stage match of the European Championships in Bern at 8pm.
Portugal Women’s captain Dolores Silva paid tribute to Diogo Jota on social media, sharing a picture of him with the caption ‘Pelos nossos’ – meaning ‘we stand together.’
A statement from UEFA read: ‘On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva.
All Women’s Euro 2025 matches will observe a minute’s silence following the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota (pictured) and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident
Portugal Women (training on Tuesday) will play their match against Spain, despite the deaths
‘Our thoughts are with their family, friends, team-mates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
‘UEFA announces that a moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva who tragically passed away today.’
Portugal have been drawn in a challenging group with Spain, Belgium, and Italy for the Euros and will face a tough test against their neighbours who are No 2 in the world on Thursday evening.
The Portuguese Football Federation had requested a minute’s silence from UEFA and said: ‘We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.’
