Wataru Endo Pays Emotional Tribute as Liverpool Mourns Diogo Jota Tragedy

Gondomar in Grief After Sudden Loss

In the stillness of Gondomar, grief echoes off chapel walls and cobbled streets. The Portuguese town, now cloaked in mourning, prepares to bid farewell to two sons—Diogo Jota and André Silva—whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating car accident on Spain’s A-52 highway.

Liverpool forward Jota and his younger brother André, a Penafiel midfielder, were travelling through north-western Spain when their Lamborghini veered fatally off course. Early investigations point to a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre. Spanish authorities continue to examine the incident, but for Gondomar—and for Liverpool—answers can wait. The loss is still too raw.

Endo’s Poignant Message Resonates Across Anfield

Amid the sea of tributes, Wataru Endo’s words carry a quiet, aching truth. Posting on Instagram, the Japan international offered an intimate glimpse into the camaraderie that coloured his relationship with Jota:

“Jots, I still can’t believe it. I don’t want to believe it. What a great player, what a great person you were.”

“From day to day, Jota and I used to sit together at the dining table and talk about football, family, games, etc.”

“Not to mention his composure in front of goal and skillful shooting inside the pitch.”

“Still can’t believe he’s gone, but the wonderful times I spent with him at Liverpool are priceless memories.”

“I’m still having a hard time sorting myself, but I hope we can all give them all the support we can for their family.”

“You will be remembered forever. My thoughts are with your wife, kids and all family and friends.”

“I mourn the loss of both of you and offer my condolences.”

“Love you Jots.”

“Rest in peace Diogo and Andre. You will never walk alone.”

There’s no need to decode the sentiment—this is the human heart laid bare, one teammate speaking for many.

 

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A post shared by 遠藤 航 (Wataru Endo) (@endowataru)

Mourning Beyond Merseyside

In Gondomar, locals lined the streets as the brothers’ bodies returned home, their sorrow interspersed with chants of “Diogo”. At 3pm today, friends, family, and fans will gather for a wake at the Capela da Ressurreição. On Saturday morning, a funeral mass will follow at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, before the brothers are laid to rest in the town’s municipal cemetery.

Shops will shutter, flags will dip, and football will pause. Gondomar has declared a municipal day of mourning, a fitting gesture for two lives so deeply woven into its fabric.

Liverpool United in Tribute

Liverpool supporters, wherever they may be, have echoed the emotion from Gondomar. From club officials to fans in far-off corners of the world, there is a collective attempt to grasp the unthinkable. Endo’s tribute is emblematic of the spirit within the club—one built not just on trophies or tactics, but on togetherness.

As Liverpool continues to honour Diogo Jota, and as Wataru Endo bravely shares his pain, one message is unmistakably clear: in the face of such loss, no one walks alone.