Today marks a year since the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. ECHO reporter Ryan Paton travelled to their home city of Gondomar to understand the impact the brothers had on their community.
A Community in Mourning
Gondomar, a suburb 7km east of Porto, is where Jota and Silva grew up. The mural at Gondomar Sport Clube's Estádio de São Miguel became a memorial site after their deaths. Local Celia Almeida said through tears: 'He was always the boy from Gondomar.' The mural bears the quote: 'Nao e importante de onde vimos mas sim para onde vamos' (It's not important where we come from, but where we're going).
Rita Silva and Rita Santos, speaking outside the wake at Capelas da Ressurreicao, described Jota as an inspirational figure. Ms Silva said: 'He was the boy who got out. This is a small city and all of us dream to win in life... He was an example for everyone.' Ms Santos added: 'He was so humble.'
The Funeral and Tributes
The brothers were laid to rest at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar on July 5, 2025, the same church where Jota married Rute Cardoso two weeks earlier. Liverpool players Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson led a delegation, holding floral tributes bearing the numbers of Silva and Jota. The service was attended by many from the football community.
Childhood Memories
Cosme Oliveira, who lived next door to the brothers' grandad, recalled playing football in the front yard. He said: 'We played from the garage door to the main gate... He was Portugal. I was Argentina, Andre was Brazil.' He added: 'They both are the meaning of humble. The passion for football. They never lost their roots here.'
Jota's unique dribbling style, honed in his grandad's yard, captivated Liverpool fans. Cosme expressed gratitude: 'You guys always received him well, so I think we all have to thank you for the way you welcomed our boy in your land.'
Lasting Legacy
Jota's name was sung in the 20th minute of every game last season, and a memorial was unveiled outside Anfield on the eve of the anniversary. The bond between Liverpool and Gondomar remains strong, united in grief and remembrance.
