Liverpool Football Club has made the decision to permanently retire the No. 20 shirt in honour of Diogo Jota, the Portuguese forward who tragically passed away in a car crash alongside his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025. Announced on Friday, July 11, the gesture marks the first time in Liverpool’s 133‑year history that any squad number has been officially withdrawn across all levels—men’s, women’s and academy.
Jota, aged just 28, had arrived at Anfield in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, swiftly becoming a pivotal figure under Jürgen Klopp and his successor, Arne Slot. Over five seasons, he featured in 182 matches, scoring 65 goals across competition lines and playing a key role in Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League triumph—the club’s monumental 20th top‑flight title. The decision to retire his No. 20 shirt carries both symbolic resonance and raw emotional weight, joining the two numbers—Jota’s shirt and Liverpool’s league tally—to weave an indelible narrative.
The announcement was made after careful consultation with Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and the wider family. Club chiefs and Fenway Sports Group’s Michael Edwards emphasised their joint conviction, stating that this is “a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.” He continued: “As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20”.
Edwards’ words resonated across Anfield, underscoring not only Jota’s on‑pitch excellence but also his deep personal impact: “By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal—and therefore never to be forgotten”. FSG executives, including Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon, echoed the sentiment in a collective statement, describing the decision as a testament to his “immeasurable contribution… and profound personal impact” on teammates, staff and fans alike.
Friday’s emotional ceremony at Anfield saw Jota’s family, joined by players and club officials, lay twin roses at a memorial shrine outside the stadium. The timing—20:20—was chosen deliberately, mirroring his shirt number and etching the moment in collective memory. Liverpool’s squad, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson and Arne Slot, stood solemnly with Rute and her parents as the club’s “terrace chant” rang out once more, commemorating “our lad from Portugal”.
Club manager Arne Slot, speaking through the official website, reflected on the devastating impact of the tragedy: “My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother…, they belong to the family of Diogo and André Silva… you will never walk alone.” He described Jota as “a loved one to all of us… in all of those roles he was very special”.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who orchestrated Jota’s move to Anfield, added his own tribute: “There must be a bigger purpose…it’s heartbreaking… Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!”. National teammate Cristiano Ronaldo also expressed his despair: “It just doesn’t make any sense. Just now you were married”.
Liverpool’s pre‑season friendly against Preston North End, scheduled for Sunday at Deepdale, will carry further tributes: a minute’s silence, black armbands worn by both teams, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a stirring rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” pre‑kickoff. The club’s matchday programme and digital screens will feature heartfelt tributes.
Beyond the immediate tribute, Liverpool has committed to further honoring Jota’s legacy. Moments of contemplative reflection are expected across the season, with the club sponsoring books of condolences—both physical and online—where fans worldwide can share memories of their beloved No. 20. Additionally, the remaining salary from Jota’s contract will be paid in full to his family, as confirmed by the club.