In a historic and emotional gesture, Liverpool FC has officially retired the No. 20 jersey in honor of Diogo Jota, following the tragic passing of the Portuguese forward in a car accident alongside his younger brother, André Silva.
The announcement was made in the early hours of July 12, confirming that no player in the club, at any level, from the men’s and women’s first teams to the youth academy, will ever wear the number again. This marks the first time in Liverpool’s history that a shirt number has been permanently retired.
Regarding this decision, Michael Edwards, the Football CEO of Fenway Sports Group, stated, “By retiring this number, we make it eternal. Diogo will never be forgotten”,before adding that Diogo brought the 20th Premier League title to Liverpool in such jersey number.
Jota wore the No. 20 shirt from the moment he joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, becoming an essential figure in the club’s recent successes. Under that very number, he played a crucial role in delivering Liverpool’s 20th Premier League title, a milestone forever tied to his legacy.
Meanwhile, Jota’s tragic accident, which occurred earlier this month, deeply affected the club, with several Liverpool players attending the funeral in Portugal, forcing the team to adjust its pre-season plans.
Liverpool is set to play its first match since the tragedy this weekend against Preston North End in a summer friendly, with tributes to Jota expected throughout the match.
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