Liverpool Football Club has announced it will retire the number 20 shirt in honour of Diogo Jota, following the tragic passing of the Portuguese forward and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash earlier this month.
Jota, aged 27, died on July 3 in a fatal accident after his Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The crash occurred at around 00:30 local time as Jota was returning to Liverpool for pre-season preparations. Due to recent minor surgery, he had been advised against flying and opted to travel by car and ferry.
The decision to retire the iconic shirt number was made after discussions with Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso and his family. The club confirmed the number 20 would be permanently retired across all levels, including the women’s team and academy squads, ensuring the Portugal international “will forever be Liverpool’s number 20.”
A statement from Liverpool paid heartfelt tribute to Jota’s legacy both on and off the pitch, describing him as a player who not only contributed immensely to the club’s recent successes but also left a deep personal impact on team-mates, staff and supporters. “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, but also the profound personal impact he had on his team-mates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them,” the club said.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Anfield. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds and played a key role in helping the team win both the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, as well as lifting the Premier League title last season.
A large Liverpool delegation attended the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, last Saturday. The emotional ceremony drew tributes from across the football world, as fans, players and clubs expressed their condolences and shared memories of a footballer whose passion and talent touched many.
The retirement of the number 20 shirt is a poignant gesture that underscores the deep respect and affection Jota earned during his time at Liverpool, where his legacy will now live on permanently in the heart of the club.
