Liverpool FC Retire No. 20 Shirt In Emotional Tribute To Diogo Jota.
Liverpool Football Club has announced the permanent retirement of the number 20 shirt across all levels of the club, a poignant tribute to their late forward, Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away alongside his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain on 3 July 2025. The decision, a first in the club’s storied history, underscores the profound impact Jota had on the team and its supporters during his time at Anfield.
The announcement came after consultations with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, ensuring their approval and involvement in this historic gesture. “It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention,” said Michael Edwards, Fenway Sports Group CEO of Football. “This is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.”
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, wore the number 20 with pride, contributing significantly to the club’s successes, including their 20th Premier League title in the 2024-25 season. His final act on the pitch was scoring the decisive goal in a Merseyside derby victory against Everton, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer. Over his five years at the club, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, earning adoration for his relentless work rate and clinical finishing.
The decision to retire the number 20 shirt, which will no longer be worn by players in the men’s, women’s, or academy teams, reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Liverpool’s supporters. Fans have rallied in grief since Jota’s passing, with thousands leaving tributes outside Anfield, including flowers, scarves, and messages reading “Forever 20” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” One supporter wrote on social media, “No. 20 could never be for someone else again,” capturing the collective desire to immortalise Jota’s legacy.
Liverpool’s leadership, including Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner, and Mike Gordon, issued a collective statement highlighting the significance of the decision: “The fact that in the long and storied history of our club this honour has never previously been bestowed shows the significance of Diogo to Liverpool Football Club.” The club also noted Jota’s personal impact, describing him as a “respected and much-loved teammate” whose connections with players, staff, and fans were profound.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and teammate Andy Robertson carried floral wreaths in the shape of shirts bearing the numbers 20 and 30—representing Diogo and André—at the brothers’ funeral in Gondomar, Portugal. Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, a Portugal teammate, held up a shirt honouring both brothers during a match, while Kylian Mbappé dedicated a goal to Jota by forming the number 20 with his hands. Even beyond football, Oasis paid homage during their reunion tour in Cardiff, displaying Jota’s number 20 jersey on a giant screen.
Liverpool will further honour Jota and his brother during their upcoming pre-season friendly against Preston North End on Sunday. A minute’s silence will be observed, players will wear black armbands, and digital tributes will be displayed throughout Deepdale Stadium. The club also held a special remembrance programme, *Remembering Diogo: Our Number 20*, celebrating his contributions both on and off the pitch.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore—with honour, distinction, and affection—the number 20,” the club stated. “As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
This unprecedented move ensures Jota’s legacy will endure, a fitting tribute to a player whose brilliance and spirit left an indelible mark on Liverpool and its global community of fans.
