Luis Díaz faces global backlash after skipping Diogo Jota’s funeral and appearing in a viral dance video with influencers in Colombia.
According to Spain’s Sport, Luis Díaz, Colombian forward for Liverpool, was one of the most notable absentees at the funeral of Jota and his brother André Silva, held on July 6 in Gondomar, Portugal. Many players including Liverpool teammates, Portugal national team members, and others flew directly after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ to pay respects. Díaz, however, did not make the trip.
Instead, he was seen attending a public event with social media influencers in Barranquilla, Colombia. A video posted by an influencer with over 780,000 followers showed Díaz smiling and dancing, igniting fury among Liverpool fans and football followers worldwide.
Venezuelan outlet Versión Final reported, “Díaz is under fire for skipping Jota’s funeral and being filmed dancing with influencers instead. The video surfaced as the funeral was happening, amplifying the backlash.”
Mexican site Plano Deportivo echoed the sentiment, noting, “Many are angry over Díaz’s lack of empathy. Liverpool fans are calling for his departure.”
What has shocked many fans even more is the deep bond Jota and Díaz once shared. In 2023, during the abduction of Díaz’s father, Jota publicly supported him by lifting his No. 7 jersey after scoring a goal. The act of solidarity was widely praised at the time.
Sport added, “The memory of Jota’s heartfelt support for Díaz makes the Colombian’s absence all the more painful for fans.”
The funeral took place at a church in Gondomar, Jota’s hometown. In Liverpool, tributes were held at Anfield, and the club announced it would retire Jota’s No. 20 jersey—a first in its history. Additionally, Liverpool has pledged to pay his entire remaining salary of £14.56 million to his bereaved family.