Liverpool FC has taken the unprecedented step of retiring the number 20 shirt worn by Diogo Jota, following the Portuguese forward’s tragic death in a car accident alongside his brother, André Silva, on July 3.
The club confirmed the decision in a heartfelt statement released Friday evening, timed precisely at 20:20 BST, to symbolically mark the number that Jota wore during his time at Anfield.
Jota, who was returning to Liverpool for pre-season training, died when his Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle near Gondomar, Portugal. He was 28.
Liverpool stated that the shirt retirement will apply “across all levels” of the club, including the women’s team and youth academy sides. The move was made after consulting Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family.
“The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years,” the club said, “but also the profound personal impact he had on his team-mates, colleagues and supporters.”
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances. He was instrumental in the club’s domestic successes, helping them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, another League Cup in 2024, and playing a vital role in their 2024-25 Premier League title campaign—Liverpool’s 20th top-flight championship.
Michael Edwards, chief executive of football at Fenway Sports Group, said this was the first time in the club’s history a shirt number has been retired for a player.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten,” Edwards said. “This is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.”
The funeral for Jota and his brother took place last Saturday in Gondomar, with a large Liverpool delegation in attendance. The player had opted to travel back to England by road and ferry following minor surgery, on medical advice against flying.
A video tribute titled Forever Our Number 20 was posted to Liverpool’s social media platforms, drawing an outpouring of grief from fans around the world. Jota, known for his sharp attacking instincts and humble demeanour, had become a fan favourite and a respected figure within the squad.
The Premier League and fellow clubs have also paid tribute, with moments of silence expected across stadiums in the upcoming weekend fixtures.
Liverpool’s decision ensures Jota’s memory will remain etched into the club’s history—his number retired, but his legacy forever part of the Anfield fabric.
