‘Hard day for us’ – Portugal’s tribute to Jota at Euro 2025

“Of course, we would change everything for sure if we had the option to change it.” However, we are dealing with a difficult day.

Thousands of fans paid their respects to Diogo Jota during Portugal’s Euro 2025 opener against Spain, and Portugal boss Francisco Neto did the same.

Jota, a Liverpool forward, and Andre Silva, his brother, also died early on Thursday morning when their Lamborghini crashed in Zamora, Spain.

A touching rendition of Portugal’s national anthem was played before a flawlessly observed minute’s silence before kick-off, during which a black-and-white image of Jota was projected on the large stadium screens in Bern.

The Portuguese forward Jessica Silva remarked, “This life is much more than a game, much more than football,” and that it was a really difficult day.

Everyone is obviously depressed. Much more important than playing a game, my heart is heavy.

Both sets of players wore black armbands, and Portugal fans displayed placards with messages honoring the player who is also mourning in Liverpool.

Portugal lost 5-0 to Spain in Bern as world champions and tournament favorites Spain began their quest for their first European crown despite constant fan support throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Coach Neto described Jota as a devoted supporter of the women’s side in his post-game press conference, which appeared to hold back tears during the minute’s silence.

“Diogo joined our team because he loved the county,” said Neto, who explained how he first met Jota while coaching under-19.

“Diogo always knew the outcome when we spoke,” he said. He embraced the Portuguese culture, which included some players and the team.

Before the game, Portugal’s winger Silva wrote in tribute on social media that Diogo was more than just a fantastic player. He was one of the good ones: devoted, thoughtful, and modest.

Without him, football is less successful, just like we are.

She continued, “I knew Diogo, and he was a really kind person – much more than just a star, he was a guy who was always paying attention, always ready to speak for the team, and well, it’s sad.”

The Portugal players gathered to hold a banner to honor Joto’s passing after the final whistle. The squad’s depressing attitude, “Thank you for everything Diogo Jota, rest in peace,” was reflected in its message.

Jota made his senior debut for Portugal in 2019 and went on to score 14 goals in 49 international games. He was also a member of two teams that won Nations League titles, and the second of those victories only occurred last month.

He liked us, was always watching us, and he always had his best interests in mind. He was a very humble person. It’s very sad and he meant a lot to us,” said Portugal’s Diana Silva.

The preparation for Portugal’s tournament opener was weighed down by the tragic deaths’ tragic deaths.

Portugal supporters had trouble processing the news despite their best efforts to soak up the atmosphere in Bern’s fandom.

Melanie, a fan of Portugal and a fan of the game, shed the tears as she described: “I can’t explain it, but as soon as I heard it, I started crying.

He is a member of our family, of course, but the problem is that he only recently married and was three years old.

“I’m so sorry,” You immediately begin to believe that your life must truly be enjoyed because anything can end in three seconds.

Jota and his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, who have three children, recently wed. He shared images of the ceremony’s takeover of Facebook on June 22.