Emotion filled the Estádio do Dragão before kickoff, as two clubs came together to honor the memory of the Portuguese brothers.

What Happened During The Tribute?

Before the start of the international friendly, players from both FC Porto and Atlético de Madrid lined up for a minute of silence, accompanied by heartfelt applause from the crowd. In particular, Porto’s players, where Diogo Jota spent time on loan between 2016 and 2018, were visibly emotional, embracing in a circle at midfield.

The moment served as a touching reminder of the impact the Portuguese forward left at every club he played for — including Atlético de Madrid, who signed him in 2016 and gave him his first experience abroad. The tribute also honored the memory of André Felipe Silva, Jota’s brother and a player for Penafiel, a club in Portugal’s second division.

What Do We Know About The Accident?

On July 3, Diogo Jota, aged 28, and André Silva, aged 25, tragically lost their lives in a car accident on the A52 highway in Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain. The news shook the football world, especially in Portugal and England, as Jota was an active player for Liverpool FC, a club he joined in 2020 after stints with Wolverhampton, Porto, and Atlético.

Both brothers, raised in the Portuguese football system with roots in Gondomar and Paços de Ferreira, shared a deep passion for the game that bonded them for life. The tragedy left a void not only in their teams but also among the fans who followed their journeys.

Who Took The Honorary Kickoff?

To complete the tribute, FC Porto legends Radamel Falcao and Paulo Futre took the honorary kickoff, adding a symbolic and historic layer to a deeply emotional ceremony.