Liverpool Football Club has announced it will retire the number 20 shirt in honour of Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident alongside his brother, André Silva.
The decision was made after close consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, with the club declaring that the Portuguese forward “will forever be Liverpool’s number 20.”
In a heartfelt statement, Liverpool confirmed the number will be retired across all levels of the club — including the women’s team and academy — as a tribute to Jota’s legacy both on and off the pitch.
“This gesture honours not only the immense impact Diogo made on the field over five memorable years but also the deep emotional connection he shared with teammates, staff, and fans,” the club said.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and went on to score 65 goals in 182 appearances.
He played a vital role in the club’s recent successes, helping them lift the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, winning the League Cup again in 2024, and securing the Premier League title last season — Liverpool’s 20th league crown.
To commemorate him, Liverpool shared a tribute video on social media at exactly 20:20 BST on Friday with the message “Forever our number 20.”
Michael Edwards, chief executive of football at Fenway Sports Group, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the tribute:
“This is the first time in the club’s history such an honour has been given. Retiring the number 20 ensures Diogo’s memory remains eternal at Liverpool.”
Jota and his brother died in the early hours of Thursday, 3 July, when their Lamborghini veered off the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle.
Jota had been driving back to Liverpool for pre-season, opting to travel by car and ferry after doctors advised against flying due to recent minor surgery.
Their funeral took place last Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, with a large Liverpool delegation in attendance to pay their respects.
Jota’s legacy as a beloved player and person will now live on through this lasting tribute, marking him as a unique figure in Liverpool’s storied history.
