Portuguese internationals Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo were overcome with emotion during a minute's silence for their friend Diogo Jota before Al-Hilal's Club World Cup quarter-final against Fluminense.
The two players broke down in tears as images of the former Liverpool forward and his brother appeared on the stadium screen.
Both men were visibly struggling to compose themselves whilst their teammates offered comfort during the deeply moving tribute.
The crowd responded with thunderous applause at the conclusion of the homage, acknowledging the tragic loss that has devastated the football community.
Ruben Neves broke down in tears as a minute's silence was held for Diogo Jota
DAZN
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died on Thursday when the Lamborghini they were driving suffered a burst tyre and veered off the road.
The 28-year-old forward was travelling back to the UK and was expected to report for pre-season training next week, ahead of what would have been his sixth season at Liverpool.
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The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the sporting world. Jota had recently celebrated winning his first Premier League title with Liverpool on 25 May, followed by lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy with Portugal just two weeks later.
The friendship between Jota and Neves stretched back to their time in Portugal's youth teams.
They became domestic teammates for four consecutive seasons, first at FC Porto during the 2016-17 campaign, then moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the same transfer window.
The pair achieved promotion together with Wolves and enjoyed two seasons in the Premier League before Jota's £50 million move to Liverpool in September 2020.
Neves remained at Wolves for three more years before joining Al-Hilal.
Jota and Cancelo had been international colleagues for six years and shared five seasons in the Premier League, maintaining a warm relationship despite representing rival clubs.Neves posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: "Wherever you are, I know you'll read this.
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In remembrance of Diogo Jota and André Silva, a minute of silence was observed. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/yYqKQWMur4
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 4, 2025
"More than a friend, we're family, and we won't stop being that way just because you've decided to sign a contract a little further away from us!"
He promised to ensure Jota's family "never lacks anything" and vowed: "Starting today, you'll enter the field with me, and we'll follow our path together, on the stage where we met."
Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi acknowledged the impact on his players, stating: "We have two Portugal players uúben Neves and Joao Cancelo who were friends to them. Today has been a very difficult day for all of us."
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