A solemn atmosphere enveloped Gondomar, Portugal, today as the family and loved ones of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota gathered for a wake and vigil ahead of his funeral scheduled for tomorrow.
Jota’s grief-stricken wife, Rute Cardoso, joined his family at São Cosme Chapel after returning late last night from Spain with the bodies of her husband and his brother, Andre Silva.
The chapel, situated in the couple’s hometown near Porto where they first met and began dating as teenagers, has become the focal point of mourning.
Cardoso, who had only just married the 28-year-old footballer on June 22, arrived at the chapel with family members.
The couple share three young children.
The remains of Diogo and Andre are believed to be resting in the Chapel of Rest, located behind the main church building.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was also seen paying tribute, visibly emotional as he placed flowers and a scarf outside Anfield in remembrance.
Jota’s parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and their grandfather were visibly distressed on arrival.
Joaquim, supported by his brother, embraced mourners and later raised a hand in acknowledgement as he departed the chapel with his wife. The family returned about an hour later.
Among the prominent figures in attendance were Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and football super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Later in the day, Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, also visited the chapel to pay his respects.
The atmosphere around São Cosme Chapel remained one of deep silence and reflection.
Police have cordoned off surrounding roads and placed barriers near the church to manage the expected crowds.
Even the surrounding cafés and restaurants in this quiet Porto suburb have adopted a sombre stillness as the country mourns one of its football heroes.
