On the morning of July 4, 2025, Liverpool Cathedral stood cloaked in a heavy silence, its ancient stone walls bearing witness to an outpouring of grief for Diogo Jota, the beloved Liverpool FC star who tragically passed away alongside his brother André Silva in a car crash in Spain. The cathedral, a symbol of the city’s resilience, hosted a funeral service attended by thousands—family, teammates, football legends, and fans—who gathered to honor the 28-year-old forward. In a moment that left the congregation breathless, Ed Sheeran, the global music icon, stepped forward in a simple suit, clutching his familiar wooden guitar. Before Jota’s flag-draped coffin, adorned with the red of Liverpool FC and the green of Portugal, Sheeran delivered a haunting rendition of “Supermarket Flowers,” a song originally written for his late grandmother, now dedicated to a football hero. His words, “I’m not just a fan of Jota’s talent… my daughter loves him too,” echoed through the cathedral, encapsulating the personal connection so many felt with the player. This article explores the emotional ceremony, Sheeran’s moving tribute, and the legacy of a footballer who united a city in both triumph and tragedy.

A Tragic Loss That Shook Liverpool

Diogo Jota, known to fans as “Jota the slotter,” died on July 3, 2025, in a car accident on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Spain, alongside his younger brother André Silva, 25, a professional footballer for FC Penafiel. The brothers were traveling to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, as Jota had been advised against flying due to recent minor lung surgery. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, a suspected tire blowout caused their Lamborghini to veer off the road and burst into flames, leaving no survivors. The tragedy struck just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three young children—Denis, Duarte, and a daughter born in 2024. The sudden loss sent shockwaves through the football world, with tributes pouring in from fans, players, and dignitaries, including Prince William and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

Jota’s death was not just a loss for Liverpool FC but for the global football community. A prolific striker, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, including a memorable winner against Everton in April 2025 that helped secure the club’s 20th Premier League title. His intelligence, determination, and knack for clutch goals made him a fan favorite, celebrated in the stands with a chant set to Bad Moon Rising: “Oh, he wears the No 20 / He will take us to victory.” Beyond his on-field heroics, Jota’s warmth and generosity—evident in gestures like sending a video message to a hospitalized young fan—cemented his status as a beloved figure.

The Funeral: A City United in Grief

The funeral service at Liverpool Cathedral on July 4, 2025, was a poignant reflection of Jota’s impact. Thousands gathered inside and outside the Gothic masterpiece, with fans lining the streets from the cathedral to Anfield, many wearing Jota’s No. 20 shirt and holding banners reading “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The service, attended by Jota’s widow Rute, their children, and his parents, was a private affair for family and close friends, but its emotional weight resonated far beyond the cathedral walls. Liverpool’s current squad, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and manager Arne Slot, joined former teammates like Jordan Henderson and James Milner, who traveled to pay their respects. International stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Dalot, alongside Portugal’s national team manager Roberto Martinez, were also present, underscoring Jota’s influence across the sport.

The cathedral’s somber atmosphere was punctuated by tributes that spoke to Jota’s character. Manager Arne Slot described him as “the essence of what a Liverpool player should be,” while former teammate Conor Coady, who played with Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers, called him “a dream to work with and a pleasure to call a friend.” Fans outside, unable to enter, listened to an audio broadcast of the service, standing in silence as they clutched flowers, scarves, and shirts. The floral tributes, including a wreath shaped like Jota’s No. 20, stretched along Anfield’s Main Stand, a testament to the depth of the city’s grief.

Ed Sheeran’s Tribute: A Song for a Hero

The most unforgettable moment came when Ed Sheeran, a known football enthusiast, took to the cathedral’s altar. Dressed simply, without fanfare, he nodded to Jota’s family and began strumming “Supermarket Flowers,” a song from his 2017 album Divide. Written as a tribute to his late grandmother, the song’s tender lyrics about loss and love took on new meaning as Sheeran dedicated it to Jota. The stripped-down performance, unaccompanied by any orchestra or effects, filled the cathedral with raw emotion. As he sang, “You were an angel in the shape of my mum,” many in attendance wept, seeing parallels in Jota’s quiet heroism and devotion to his family.

As the final notes faded, Sheeran placed a hand on his chest and spoke softly: “I’m not just a fan of Jota’s talent… my daughter loves him too. Yesterday, she asked me, ‘Daddy, is Jota playing football in heaven?’… And I believe he is.” The words, simple yet profound, captured the universal pain of loss, especially for Jota’s young children. The cathedral remained silent, save for muffled sobs, as Sheeran’s personal anecdote resonated with parents and fans alike. His daughter’s innocent question underscored Jota’s role not just as a footballer but as an idol to a new generation. The moment was widely shared on social media, with fans on X calling it “a beautiful tribute” and “heartbreakingly perfect.”

A Legacy Beyond the Pitch

Jota’s legacy extends far beyond his 65 goals for Liverpool or his two Nations League titles with Portugal. Born in Gondomar, Portugal, he remained fiercely loyal to his roots, playing for local club Gondomar SC as a boy and later inspiring the naming of its academy in his honor. His lifelong commitment to Rute, whom he met at 15, and his role as a father to three children spoke to his values of loyalty and family. “The fact he has been with the same partner since he was 15 tells us a lot about him,” a Gondomar resident told The Telegraph. “He was like family to everyone.”

His generosity off the pitch was legendary. From gifting signed shirts to fans to reaching out to young supporters in need, Jota embodied the spirit of Liverpool’s motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” His playful side shone through in his passion for gaming, where he achieved No. 1 status on the FIFA Ultimate Team Champions leaderboard and owned LUNA Esports. These facets of his personality made his loss all the more devastating, as fans mourned not just a player but a person who felt like one of their own.

The Football World’s Response

The football community rallied around Jota’s memory. Liverpool canceled pre-season fitness tests, lowered flags to half-mast, and opened a book of remembrance at Anfield. Tributes poured in from rival clubs like Everton, Manchester United, and Wolves, where Jota played from 2017 to 2020. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, who presented Jota with a Nations League medal just weeks earlier, expressed his sorrow, while former manager Jürgen Klopp wrote on Instagram, “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose!”

In Gondomar, where Jota and André’s funeral was held the following day, thousands lined the streets, and the Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, delivered a eulogy praising their faith and dedication. The brothers’ coffins, carried by teammates including Rúben Neves, were adorned with tributes bearing their squad numbers—20 for Jota, 30 for André. The outpouring of grief underscored Jota’s universal appeal, from his hometown to the global stage.

Why Jota’s Memory Endures

Diogo Jota’s death at 28, alongside his brother André, is a tragedy that defies comprehension. Yet, in the silence of Liverpool Cathedral, Ed Sheeran’s tribute encapsulated why Jota meant so much to so many. His talent, heart, and humility made him a hero to fans, a role model to children, and a cherished friend to teammates. The image of Sheeran singing before Jota’s coffin, coupled with his heartfelt words about his daughter’s love for the player, will linger as a symbol of the personal connections Jota forged.

As Liverpool prepares for a new season without their No. 20, fans will continue to sing his song, now tinged with sorrow but also with pride. From Anfield to Gondomar, Jota’s legacy is one of love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments—on the pitch and off. As Sheeran said, Jota may be playing football in heaven, but on earth, he’ll never walk alone.