Liverpool Football Club has continued to honour the memory of Diogo Jota in a series of deeply respectful gestures following the tragic death of the forward and his brother, André Silva, in a car accident last week.
The club’s efforts have ranged from opening physical and digital books of condolence to a reported decision to pay out the remainder of Jota’s contract in full, supporting his young family during this unimaginable time.
While players and staff have paid tribute in their own way, including an emotional visit to a memorial outside Anfield, fans have praised the club for going even further.
One of the most significant acts came in the announcement that Jota’s shirt number, 20, will be permanently retired across all Liverpool teams, men’s, women’s, and academy levels.
The club, after consulting with Jota’s wife Rute and family, said the decision reflects not only his impact on the pitch, but the love and admiration he inspired off it.
“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,” the club said in a statement, “but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them.”
Perhaps the most subtle, yet moving gesture came in the timing of the announcement. Posted at exactly 20:20 on Liverpool’s official social media accounts, the message was quietly powerful.
It’s the little things ❤️ pic.twitter.com/t9h78nG5PK
— – (@AnfieldRd96) July 11, 2025
Fans quickly noticed the symbolism, Diogo joined Liverpool in 2020, won the Reds their 20th major honour in that era, and wore the number 20 shirt with pride. Many supporters took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their pride in the club’s sensitivity.
