Liverpool Football Club has announced it will retire the number 20 shirt to honour Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident alongside his brother, André Silva.
The club made the emotional decision after consulting with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family. The move ensures that the Portuguese forward will “forever be Liverpool’s number 20” and marks a rare and profound tribute. The number will be retired across all levels of the club, including the women’s team and youth academy, underlining the deep impact Jota had on the entire organisation.
A statement from the club said the retirement was in recognition not only of Jota’s vital role in Liverpool’s success over the past five years but also of the deep and lasting bonds he formed with teammates, staff, and fans. Described as someone who left a personal mark on everyone he met, Jota’s legacy will be preserved through this gesture of remembrance.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and went on to score 65 goals in 182 appearances. During his time at Anfield, he helped the team secure major trophies, including the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, another League Cup title in 2024, and last season’s historic Premier League victory—the club’s 20th top-flight crown.
To mark the announcement, the club shared a tribute video on social media at 20:20 BST with the caption “forever our number 20”, symbolising both the player’s shirt number and his lasting place in Liverpool’s history.
The club’s football chief executive spoke of the significance of the tribute, noting that this is the first time Liverpool has retired a squad number in honour of an individual. He described it as a “unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person” and said retiring the number ensures Jota’s memory will be eternal.
The car accident that claimed Jota and his brother’s lives occurred when their Lamborghini veered off the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle around 00:30 local time on 3 July. Jota had opted to travel back to Liverpool by car and ferry for pre-season training, following medical advice not to fly after undergoing minor surgery.
The funeral of Jota and his brother took place in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, last Saturday. A large Liverpool delegation was present to pay their respects, underlining the club’s solidarity with the family during this time of grief.
On Friday, Jota’s wife Rute, along with their children and other family members, visited Anfield to view the many tributes laid by fans. Flowers, scarves, messages, and memorabilia have been placed outside the stadium in memory of the beloved forward. Liverpool’s squad, led by manager Arne Slot, joined Cardoso at the stadium to honour his memory.
Liverpool will commemorate Jota and Silva at their first match since the tragedy, a pre-season friendly against Preston North End on Sunday. The match will include a minute’s silence and various tributes, giving supporters and players a moment to reflect on the lives lost and to celebrate the legacy left behind.
