Liverpool have confirmed they will retire the No.20 shirt worn by Diogo Jota as a tribute to the Portuguese forward, who tragically lost his life in a car accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva.
Following discussions with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, the club made the decision to ensure that “Diogo will forever be Liverpool’s number 20.”
In an official statement, the club announced the number would be retired “in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels,” which includes the women’s side and every level of the academy.
They continued: “The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his team-mates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them.”
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves and went on to make 182 appearances, netting 65 goals. During his time at Anfield, he lifted the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, won the League Cup again in 2024, and helped secure the Premier League title last season.
Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, Michael Edwards, said: “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.
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
“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’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.”
The fatal crash occurred on 3 July when the Lamborghini Jota was driving suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing the car to veer off the road.
He had been en route back to Merseyside for pre-season training. Due to recent minor surgery, doctors had advised him not to fly, prompting him to travel via car and ferry instead.
A funeral service for Diogo and Andre was held in their hometown of Gondomar last Saturday, with a significant Liverpool delegation present to pay their respects.
