CNN — On a somber Saturday, the community of Gondomar, Portugal, united to pay their last respects to Diogo Jota, the popular soccer star, and his brother, André Silva, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain earlier that week. The brothers, aged 28 and 25 respectively, were known not only for their athletic prowess but also for their close-knit family bond, a relationship that resonated deeply within the soccer world.

Attending the funeral, Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, was spotted with their three young children, embracing fellow mourners as she prepared for the emotional service. Just two weeks prior to the accident, Jota and Cardoso exchanged vows, which added profound layers of sorrow to the unfolding tragedy. The hour-long ceremony was marked by the presence of many of Jota's former Liverpool teammates, including captain Virgil van Dijk and left back Andy Robertson, who honored the brothers with floral tributes shaped like their jerseys, symbolizing the everlasting impact they have left behind.

The attendance of fellow Liverpool players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez, and Ibrahima Konaté illustrated the deep connections Jota had forged during his time at the club. Also present were the team’s manager, Arne Slot, and CEO Michael Edwards, highlighting the profound sense of loss shared by the entire organization.

As the service proceeded, church bells tolled while a long line of mourners escorted the brothers’ coffins inside the church. Among the pallbearers was Rúben Neves, a star player for the Portugal national team and Jota's former teammate at Wolverhampton Wanderers. A poignant moment came when a young individual carried a black-and-white photograph of Silva, inscribed with “Para Sempre Um De Nos” (“Forever One Of Us”), a testament to the enduring spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie.

Numerous figures from the national team, including head coach Roberto Martínez, Manchester City players Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva, as well as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Chelsea forward João Félix, attended the service. Speaking to reporters outside the church, Martínez remarked, “Today was a day that we showed that we are a very, very large but close family. We are Portugal … we are together and we will always be together,” underscoring the collective grief and solidarity in the face of tragedy.

The emotional service followed a wake held the previous morning at the family’s church in Gondomar, where community members could come together to offer their condolences. The church, Igreja Martiz de Gondomar, opened its doors to the public on Friday afternoon, allowing for an outpouring of love and support for the grieving families.

Tributes continued to pour in from across the globe, reflecting the brothers’ impact on the soccer community. In the Club World Cup, teams observed moments of silence before matches, with former teammates Neves, João Cancelo, and Chelsea winger Pedro Neto visibly moved by the occasion. The British rock band Oasis also honored Jota during their reunion concert in Cardiff, dedicating their uplifting anthem “Live Forever” to the fallen star.

In a touching gesture, Portuguese tennis players Francisco Cabral and Nuno Borges, who were competing at Wimbledon, received special permission from tournament organizers to deviate from the strict all-white dress code, allowing them to pay tribute to Jota in their own unique way.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the transience of life and the profound connections we forge with those around us. The loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva will be felt not just by their families and friends, but by an entire community and sports world that admired their talents.