FIFA honored the lives of Liverpool's Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, with tributes held before the Club World Cup quarterfinal matches in Orlando, Florida, and Philadelphia.
The 28-year-old Jota and 25-year-old Silva tragically passed away near Zamora in northwestern Spain. Their vehicle, a Lamborghini, crashed and ignited on a secluded highway stretch shortly after midnight on Thursday.
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At the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, where Al Hilal faced Fluminense, players gathered at midfield. A photo of the Portuguese soccer stars was displayed on the video board, followed by a moment of silence.
Similarly, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, prior to the match between Brazil's Palmeiras and Chelsea, a black-and-white image of the brothers was shown. Players from both teams wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence.
Chelsea's Pedro Neto, a friend and teammate of Diogo Jota on the Portugal national team, paid his respects. He entered the field with a jersey bearing the names of Jota and André Silva, making the sign of the cross. Neto, assisted by Enzo Fernández, displayed the jersey during the moment of silence.
Spanish authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest no other vehicles were involved, and a blown tire may have been a contributing factor.
Jota's death occurred shortly after he celebrated his marriage to Rute Cardoso, his longtime partner, following a Premier League-winning season with Liverpool. They are survived by their three children.
Silva was a player for the Portuguese team Penafiel in the lower leagues.
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