Palmeiras’ Abel Ferreira Mourns Diogo Jota, André Silva After Fatal Spain Crash

Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira opened his pre-match press conference in Philadelphia on Thursday by expressing condolences to the families of Portuguese footballers Diogo Jota and André Silva, who were killed earlier in the day in a car accident in Spain. Ferreira, preparing his side for Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Chelsea, described the news as a reminder of life’s fragility and urged players and supporters "to live the here and now." The coach said he frequently discusses mortality with his squad to emphasise gratitude and perspective. Jota, 28, and Silva, 29, were travelling together when the collision occurred, according to initial reports cited by local media. Spanish authorities have not yet released a full account of the incident. The tragedy has reverberated through the football community, with clubs and players posting tributes throughout the day. Palmeiras and Chelsea are scheduled to meet at 22:00 Brasília time (21:00 EDT) at Lincoln Financial Field, where a minute’s silence is expected before kick-off.