Over three weeks after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Liverpool FC has officially announced plans to build a memorial statue at Anfield in honor of the beloved player. The tribute aims to create a permanent space of remembrance for Jota, who wore the iconic No. 20 shirt.
The 28-year-old Portuguese forward and his brother André Silva died in a car accident in Spain earlier this month, prompting an outpouring of grief across the football world. Outside Anfield, fans erected a spontaneous shrine filled with flowers, jerseys, scarves, hats, artwork, flags, and banners, creating a visual testament to Jota’s impact.
According to the club, all items left at the memorial site have been carefully preserved, repurposed, or transformed. Flowers were composted and used to nourish gardens around the club’s grounds, while clothing and memorabilia were stored or handed over to a specialized art firm that will incorporate them into the final sculpture.
The memorial statue is expected to be placed near the current temporary tribute area outside Anfield. While exact designs have yet to be released, club insiders suggest that a depiction of the No. 20 jersey is one of the leading concepts under consideration.
Previously, Liverpool declared it would retire the No. 20 shirt across all club levels as a mark of respecthttps://kbizoom.com/liverpool-retires-no20-diogo-jota/. Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds, leaving a legacy of consistency, passion, and excellence.
Liverpool’s ongoing preseason tour in Asia has also been a platform for tributes. Players wore warm-up shirts adorned with the specially designed “Diogo J 20” emblem, while flowers were laid before kickoff at matches in Hong Kong, Yokohama, and will be again at Anfield.
In a poignant touch, Liverpool’s 2025/26 season kits feature a discreet “Forever 20” inscription sewn into the hem, ensuring Jota’s memory remains part of every match played.
Fans wishing to pay tribute can request “Diogo J 20” name printing on official kits. All proceeds will be donated to the LFC Foundation, which will launch a new community football initiative named “Jota”, aimed at supporting youth and underserved groups through sport.
TP