Liverpool have confirmed they will permanently retire the number 20 shirt to honour the late Diogo Jota.
The Portuguese forward tragically died in a car crash on July 3, along with his brother, Andre Silva.
Following widespread calls from supporters to retire the jersey Jota wore throughout his time at the club, Liverpool consulted with Jota’s wife, Rute, and family.
The family visited Anfield on Friday, July 11, to pay their respects at the memorial site dedicated to both brothers.
After these discussions, the club decided to retire the number 20 shirt across all levels – including the men’s first team, women’s team, and Academy sides.
This marks the first time Liverpool have retired a shirt number, making it a unique tribute to a unique player.
The club’s decision reflects not only Jota’s outstanding contributions on the pitch – helping Liverpool secure the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup during his five years at Anfield – but also the profound personal impact he had on teammates, staff, and fans alike.
Jota and Silva were killed when their vehicle veered off the road following a tyre blowout on July 3. They had been travelling across Spain to catch a ferry back to the United Kingdom ahead of pre-season preparations.
Last weekend, the majority of Liverpool’s first-team squad, manager Arne Slot, and several club officials travelled to the brothers’ hometown of Gondomar to attend their funeral.
“As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” said Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football.
“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.
“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
“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.”
Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon collectively added: “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.
“Our love goes to Rute, his three beautiful children and his family as they continue to grieve the loss of Diogo and André.”
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