It was meant to be a night of celebration and nostalgia as Oasis kicked off their long-awaited reunion tour in Cardiff.
But as the lights dimmed and the music began, emotions took a different turn.
The band’s support act, Cast, paused their set to honour a life lost far too soon—that of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota.
A Song for Diogo Jota
During the set at the Principality Stadium, frontman John Power delivered a heartfelt tribute, dedicating the emotional ballad Walkaway to Jota.
The crowd listened in silence as Power said, “This one is for Diogo Jota. Take it easy, brother.”
The moment, brief but powerful, came just one day after the devastating news that Jota, 28, and his younger brother Andre, 26, had both died in a horrific car accident.
A Sudden Tragedy on the Road to England
The Jota brothers were reportedly driving to Santander, Spain, planning to catch a ferry back to the UK. Diogo had been advised not to fly due to recent lung surgery.
Their journey ended in heartbreak near Zamora, just over the Portuguese border, when their Lamborghini Huracan suffered a tyre blowout during an overtake.
The car rolled, caught fire, and tragically, neither brother survived.
Authorities confirmed no other vehicles were involved.
A Life Cut Short Just Days After His Wedding
The crash happened less than two weeks after Diogo married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three young children.
They had just celebrated a friend’s wedding over the weekend.
What was meant to be a joyful new chapter in Diogo’s life turned into unthinkable grief.
The Football World in Mourning
Jota’s death has sent shockwaves through the football community.
Fans have gathered outside Anfield to lay flowers, scarves, and heartfelt messages.
Some sang You’ll Never Walk Alone, while others—wearing both Liverpool and Everton shirts—stood side by side in a show of unity and loss.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was seen wiping away tears as he paid his respects, laying a scarf and flowers at Anfield.
A Final Goodbye in Gondomar
In Diogo’s hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, hundreds lined the streets to say goodbye.
Mourners, some carrying roses and national team scarves, wrapped around the chapel where his body lay in repose.
Aerial images captured the long queues, leading around the corner to the nearby church where the funeral will take place.
Family, friends, and public figures—including Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, agent Jorge Mendes, and President Marcelo de Sousa—joined the grieving crowd.
A Family Shattered
Jota’s parents, Isabel and Joaquim, arrived visibly distraught, along with Diogo and Andre’s grandfather.
Joaquim, supported by his brother, greeted mourners with a solemn wave and returned later with his wife to continue the vigil.
The chapel, filled with flowers and heavy hearts, bore witness to the private pain behind the public tragedy.
From Premier League Glory to Nation’s Hero
Diogo Jota had recently helped Liverpool win the Premier League title for the 2024/25 season, scoring six goals in 26 appearances.
He was also a key figure in Portugal’s national team, contributing to their UEFA Nations League victory just a few weeks ago.
Andre, his younger brother, played in Portugal’s second division for Penafiel and had a bright career ahead of him.
A Journey That Should Have Ended at Home
The brothers had planned to travel back to England via ferry, boarding a Brittany Ferries ship from Santander to Plymouth.
That ferry left on Thursday at 4pm and arrived in Devon on Friday morning—without them.
Diogo had been set to report back to Liverpool for pre-season training on Monday.
Liverpool’s Heartfelt Statement
In an emotional public statement, Liverpool FC said they were “devastated” and described Diogo’s passing as “an unimaginable loss” for his loved ones and the footballing world.
The outpouring of tributes continues to grow, with fans creating a sea of red outside Anfield in his memory.