Liverpool Football Club has announced the retirement of the number 20 shirt in memory of Diogo Jota, the Portuguese forward who tragically passed away on July 3, 2025, following a car accident in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother André Silva.
The decision, made in consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, was formalized on July 11, 2025, ensuring the number remains a lasting tribute across all club levels, including the women’s team and academy. Jota, aged 28, had been a key figure since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances and contributing to the 2022 FA Cup, League Cup, and the 2024-25 Premier League title.
The club’s statement highlighted Jota’s infectious joy and leadership, with captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot among those mourning his loss. The accident, confirmed by the Spanish Civil Guard, occurred when their vehicle veered off the A-52 highway, a tragedy that shocked the football world.
Tributes have poured in, including from former manager Jürgen Klopp, who called him a “fantastic player and great friend.” Fans have created memorials outside Anfield, and the retirement reflects Jota’s indelible legacy, though some question the precedent it sets for future honors.
