Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

Liverpool Announce Retirement of Jersey No. 20 on All Levels to Honour Diogo Jota Legacy

The Reds Pay Historic Tribute to Jota After Tragic Car Accident Claims His and His Brother’s Lives.

Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

Liverpool have announced the permanent retirement of their jersey no. 20 in memory of Diogo Jota. This comes after the forward’s tragic death earlier this month. The move marks the first time in the club’s 133-year history that a player’s number has been retired.

The Reds confirmed the decision after consulting with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family. The retirement will span all levels of the club, including the women’s team and academy sides. The CEO of Football at Fenway Sports Group, Michael Edwards said:

“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. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.”

Liverpool FC will retire the number 20 jersey across all levels of the club in honour and memory of Diogo Jota.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 11, 2025

Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 and played in 182 games for the English club. He scored 65 goals for the Reds during that time and was instrumental in the club’s successes. He helped them secure the FA Cup and the Premier League wins in 2022 and last season.

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Mourning a Unique Talent

Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically died on July 3 in Spain. Their car suffered a tyre blowout, went off-road, and caught fire. The accident occurred just 11 days after Jota and his wife, Cardoso got married. The couple share three young children.

Liverpool’s statement described Jota as not only ‘an outstanding footballer’ but also ‘an outstanding human being’. Billy Hogan and other senior figures at the club echoed that sentiment, saying, ‘His memory and contribution will be immortalised by his association with the number 20.’

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In tribute, Jota’s wife was in attendance in front of Anfield with fans and other players paying respect. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s first pre-season match against Preston North End on Sunday will include a minute’s silence, black armbands. They will play a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in Jota’s memory.

The club, the fans, Jota’s teammates at the club and national team, and his family including his wife and three children continue to grieve. In the midst of it, the retirement of the No. 20 shirt stands as a lasting symbol of Diogo Jota’s enduring legacy at Anfield.

Diogo Jota

Liverpool

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.