Real Madrid Apologise for Tribute Error Involving Diogo Jota’s Brother

Real Madrid have formally apologised after an emotional tribute video mistakenly featured the wrong image of André Silva, leading to confusion and concern during the club’s general assembly.

The video aimed to honour Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash in July alongside his 25-year-old brother, André Silva—a professional footballer with Penafiel in Portugal’s second tier.

However, instead of showing the late André Silva, the tribute video mistakenly displayed a photo of Elche CF and Portugal international André da Silva, aged 30, who is very much alive and actively playing in La Liga.

Real Madrid Statement on X

“Real Madrid CF apologises to Elche CF and its player André da Silva for having mistakenly included his image in the obituary of an institutional video instead of that of André Silva, the brother of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool player. We regret this incident.”

Remembering Diogo and André Silva

Diogo Jota, 28, was a beloved figure at Liverpool FC and a member of the Portugal national team. The football world mourned his loss after the tragic July car accident that also claimed the life of his younger brother.

To honour their memory, Real Madrid representatives, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, defender Dean Huijsen, and manager Xabi Alonso, visited Anfield in early November. They laid a wreath near the pitch before their Champions League clash with Liverpool.

A heartfelt card from Alexander-Arnold read:

“My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved. Yours and Andre’s memory will always live on. I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Miss you mate, every day. Love Trent and family.”

André da Silva’s Reaction Pending

Andre da Silva (right) and Diogo Jota were team-mates at Porto and the Portugal national team

André da Silva, the Elche striker incorrectly shown in the tribute, has not yet commented publicly. The 30-year-old forward has been a key figure in Portuguese football, with spells at Porto, AC Milan, Frankfurt, and RB Leipzig, and has 53 international caps for Portugal.

Coincidentally, Elche are set to face Real Madrid this weekend in La Liga—a match now shadowed by this unfortunate mix-up.