Immortality: Liverpool retire Diogo Jota’s No.20 shirt forever
Liverpool Football Club have announced the retirement of Diogo Jota’s No.20 shirt across all levels in honour of the Portuguese forward.
Jota tragically died in a car crash in Spain last week at the age of 28, alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva.
In a deeply moving tribute, the club confirmed that no player, men’s, women’s or academy, will wear the number again, following consultations with Jota’s wife, Rute, and his family.
“After consultation with his wife, Rute, and family, the club can announce the squad number will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels,” the statement read.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal, and therefore never to be forgotten.
“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.”
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, scored 49 goals in 131 appearances, contributing significantly to the club’s silverware during his five seasons.
Beyond his on-pitch success, Liverpool lauded his “profound personal impact” on teammates, staff, and fans.
In a joint statement, club executives Mike Gordon, Billy Hogan, John Henry, and Tom Werner emphasized the rarity of the honour:
“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.
“His memory and contribution will be immortalised by his association with the number 20.”
The club extended heartfelt condolences to Jota’s wife, their three children, and his entire family as they continue to mourn the devastating loss.
