Liverpool, England – July 12, 2025 – Liverpool Football Club has announced the permanent retirement of its No. 20 jersey across all levels, including the men’s, women’s, and academy teams, in honor of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away alongside his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. The decision, a first in the club’s 133-year history, reflects Jota’s profound impact as a player and person, ensuring his legacy endures at Anfield.
A Historic Gesture for a Beloved Star
The decision to retire the No. 20 jersey was finalized after consultations with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, who gave their blessing for the unprecedented tribute. Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 for £41 million, wore the No. 20 with distinction, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists in 182 appearances. His contributions were instrumental in securing Liverpool’s 20th English Premier League title in the 2024-25 season, a milestone that deepened the symbolic connection between Jota and the number.
“This is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person,” said Fenway Sports Group CEO Michael Edwards in a statement. “Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore—with honour, distinction, and affection—the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.” The retirement applies across all club levels, ensuring no future player, from the men’s first team to the academy, will wear the number again.
A Career Cut Tragically Short
Jota, aged 28, and his brother André, a professional footballer for Portuguese club Penafiel, died when their Lamborghini veered off the A-52 highway near Sanabria, Spain, following a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver. The vehicle caught fire, and despite emergency response efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene. Jota was en route to Liverpool for pre-season training, having been advised against flying due to a recent minor lung procedure. The accident occurred just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Cardoso, with whom he shared three young children.
Since joining Liverpool, Jota became a fan favorite for his clinical finishing, versatility, and relentless work rate, often deployed as a left winger or false nine. His standout moments included a decisive goal in the April 2025 Merseyside derby against Everton, sealing a victory in front of the Kop, and a starring role in a 2022 FA Cup match against Arsenal. Beyond the pitch, Jota’s warmth endeared him to teammates and supporters. Manager Arne Slot described him as “a loved one to all of us,” while captain Virgil van Dijk called him “a champion forever, number 20 forever.”
An Outpouring of Grief and Support
The announcement follows widespread calls from Liverpool fans to retire the No. 20 jersey, with thousands gathering outside Anfield to lay flowers, scarves, and balloons bearing the number 20. Tributes poured in from across the football world, including from rivals Manchester United, Jota’s former club Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who noted their recent time together during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph in June 2025. Global figures, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, expressed condolences, with moments of silence observed at Club World Cup matches and Euro 2025 games.
Liverpool’s players and staff, led by van Dijk and Andy Robertson, attended the brothers’ funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, on July 5, alongside teammates like Rúben Neves and João Cancelo. The club has planned further tributes for its first pre-season match against Preston North End on July 13, including a minute’s silence, a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and black armbands for both teams. Digital tributes will be displayed at Deepdale, and a wreath will be laid by supporters.
A Lasting Legacy
The retirement of the No. 20 jersey marks a poignant moment for Liverpool, a club that has never before retired a player’s number. Jota’s legacy extends beyond his 65 goals, which included clutch strikes in the Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. His humility and connection with fans—evidenced by a 2020 video message to a young supporter during a difficult time—cemented his status as an “honorary Scouser.” Supporters have vowed to keep his chant, “And his name is Diogo,” alive in the stands.
As Liverpool prepares for the 2025-26 season, the absence of the No. 20 jersey will serve as a permanent reminder of Jota’s contributions and the indelible mark he left on the club. Fans and stakeholders can stay updated on planned tributes via Liverpool’s official website (www.liverpoolfc.com) (www.liverpoolfc.com) or the club’s social media channels.
