Liverpool’s sorrow over the loss of Diogo Jota has been deeply felt across the football world.
But for goalkeeper Alisson Becker, the pain came with a helpless distance. As friends and teammates gathered in Portugal to say goodbye, Alisson was left grieving thousands of miles away.
Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva passed away in a car crash earlier this week.
Their funerals were held Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal. While much of Liverpool’s squad flew out to attend, Alisson had to stay back in Brazil with his family.
The Brazilian keeper, who has shared the pitch and the locker room with Jota for five years, posted an emotional message on Instagram.
His absence wasn’t by choice — but due to travel, timing, and personal reasons, he couldn’t be there in person.
“Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense,” he wrote. “Once again, an ocean separates me from ‘saying goodbye’ to someone I love!”
It’s not the first time Alisson has faced this kind of heartbreak from afar. In 2021, he also couldn’t attend his own father’s funeral due to the pandemic.
This time, it’s another painful moment, made harder by distance.
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Despite not being at the funeral, Alisson made sure his love and support were known — especially to Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, who had just married the Liverpool forward weeks ago.
“To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14,” he wrote, “just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!”
His tribute didn’t stop there. He added, “In a moment like this, all we can do is bow down before the Sovereignty of God, and receive grace and help in this time! I’ll remember Diogo as a great friend, father and husband!”
While Alisson remained in Brazil, his teammates were present in Gondomar. Led by Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, the Liverpool squad carried floral tributes into the church.
The shirts, made of red flowers, bore the numbers 20 and 30 — worn by Jota and his brother.
The absence of Alisson was felt. But his words, like his presence, carried weight. In grief, as in football, he remained part of the team.
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