Kenya, July 12 -- In a historic and heartfelt tribute, Liverpool Football Club has permanently retired the No. 20 jersey across all its teams to honour Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva on July 3, 2025. The Liverpool No. 20 jersey retirement, announced at 20:20 BST on July 11, 2025, marks the first time in the club's 133-year history that a player's number has been retired, symbolising Jota's profound impact.
This decision, as reported by The Guardian and Sky Sports, extends to the men's, women's, and academy squads, ensuring the Diogo Jota legacy endures forever.
The Diogo Jota tribute reflects his remarkable contributions since joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. Jota, who wore the No. 20, played 182 matches, scoring 65 goals, including a memorable strike in the April 2025 Merseyside derby, securing Liverpool's 20th Premier League title.
The retirement of No. 20 Liverpool resonates deeply, as the number aligns with the club's historic 2024-25 title win, a milestone Jota helped achieve. Liverpool's statement emphasised, "Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool Football Club's number 20," highlighting his role in countless victories and his impact on teammates and fans.
The decision followed consultations with Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, and family, underscoring the club's respect for their wishes.
Michael Edwards, CEO of football for Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group, called it "a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person," noting the overwhelming support from fans for the Jota jersey retirement.
Tributes poured in globally, with floral memorials outside Anfield and vigils echoing "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, and captain Virgil van Dijk expressed profound grief, with van Dijk carrying a floral No. 20 at Jota's funeral.
The Liverpool FC memorial for Jota includes plans for a pre-season friendly against Preston on July 13, 2025, featuring a minute's silence and digital tributes.
The Diogo Jota car accident in Zamora, Spain, caused by a tire blowout, has left the football world in mourning, with condolences from figures like Prince William and Jurgen Klopp.
As Liverpool navigates this loss, the permanent jersey retirement ensures Jota's legacy, marked by skill, humility, and passion, remains eternal, uniting the Liverpool FC community in remembrance.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.