Liverpool permanently retire Diogo Jota's No. 20 jersey in unique tribute
Global Desk July 12, 2025 10:20 AM
Synopsis

Liverpool will retire Diogo Jota's number 20 jersey. This decision follows his tragic death in a car accident. Jota, 28, died with his brother Andre Silva. The club consulted Jota's family before making the decision. The number 20 will not be used by any Liverpool team. Liverpool will pay tribute to Jota at their pre-season friendly against Preston.

Fan signs a mural in memory of late Liverpool player Diogo Jota, on Sybil Road near Anfield on July 8, 2025. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
Premier League champions Liverpool have announced they will permanently retire the number 20 jersey worn by Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, following his tragic death in a car accident in Spain last week.

Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva - who played for Portuguese second-division side Penafiel - lost their lives in a crash in northwestern Spain on July 3.

In a heartfelt statement released on Friday, Liverpool confirmed the decision came after consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute, and his family. The club emphasized that the number 20 will never be worn again - not in the men’s team, women’s side, nor at any level of the academy.


"This is, to my knowledge, the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been given," said Michael Edwards, CEO of Football for Fenway Sports Group.

"It is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal—never to be forgotten."

Jota joined Liverpool in 2020, helped the club secure its 20th league title, and proudly wore the No. 20 shirt throughout his time at Anfield.

"As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned," Edwards added, "he will forever be our number 20."


Liverpool will return to the pitch for the first time since the tragic death of Jota when they face Championship side Preston in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Ahead of the kick-off, a tribute to the late Portuguese forward will begin with a rendition of the club’s iconic anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone." Preston will lay a commemorative wreath in front of the away end, where Liverpool supporters will be gathered.


A minute’s silence will follow, as the stadium’s big screens and pitchside advertising boards display digital tributes to Jota. Players from both teams will wear black armbands in a unified show of respect for the former Liverpool star.


The occasion promises to be a solemn yet heartfelt moment of remembrance for a player who left an indelible mark on the club and its fans.
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