However, a Sky Sports report confirmed that four prominent Liverpool players—Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Díaz—were noticeably absent from the service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, sparking a wave of shock and disappointment among fans. This absence, during a moment of profound loss for the club and Jota’s family, has ignited heated discussions on social media and left a lingering sense of unease among supporters.
Jota, 28, and André, 25, a professional footballer with Penafiel, died in a tragic car crash on July 3, 2025, on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Spain, after a suspected tyre blowout caused their Lamborghini to veer off the road and catch fire.
Jota, who had married Rute Cardoso just 11 days prior and left behind three children, was en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK for Liverpool’s pre-season, advised against flying due to recent minor lung surgery.
The loss of the beloved forward, who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances and helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups, has devastated the football world.
The Sky Sports report highlighted the presence of many Liverpool players, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa, and manager Arne Slot, alongside former teammates Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, and Abel Xavier.
Portuguese stars like Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, João Félix, and Roberto Martinez also attended, with Van Dijk and Robertson carrying floral tributes bearing Jota’s No. 20 and André’s No. 30. Yet, the absence of Salah, Alisson, Szoboszlai, and Díaz stood out, prompting varied reactions.
Fans on X expressed dismay, with one post stating, “Salah, Alisson, Diaz, and Szoboszlai not showing up to Jota’s funeral is piss poor—where’s the loyalty?” Another wrote, “No Mo or Alisson at Jota’s funeral? That’s a gut punch for fans expecting unity.”
Some supporters, however, urged understanding, citing potential logistical issues. One X user noted, “Travel from South America for Alisson and Diaz could’ve been tough, and Salah’s got family commitments.
Let’s not judge too harshly.” Alisson shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute, explaining his absence due to a personal family matter in Brazil but emphasizing Jota’s infectious smile and camaraderie, suggesting private reasons may have prevented attendance.
The absence has fueled debate about team unity, especially as Jota was a fan favorite, known as “Jota the slotter” for his clinical finishing. Salah, who posted he was “frightened” to return to Liverpool post-tragedy, faced particular scrutiny, given his leadership role.
Critics on X argued that as a star player, his presence was expected to honor Jota’s contributions, including his decisive Merseyside derby goal last season. However, others defended the absent players, pointing to the emotional toll and complex logistics of international travel on short notice.
Liverpool postponed pre-season fitness tests, with training now starting July 7, reflecting the club’s grief. The Sky Sports coverage noted fans lining Gondomar’s streets, leaving tributes at Anfield and Wolves’ Molineux, underscoring Jota’s widespread impact.
While the absence of the four players has left a mark, the football community’s collective mourning—marked by moments like a minute’s silence at the Women’s Euro 2025—shows Jota and André’s legacy endures, even as fans grapple with questions of loyalty and circumstance.
