Liverpool Football Club have announced they will retire the No. 20 shirt as a permanent tribute to Diogo Jota, following the tragic death of the Portuguese forward last week.
The 28-year-old passed away alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident in Zamora, Spain. The news has sent shockwaves across the football world, with tributes pouring in from fans, players, and clubs across Europe.
In a deeply emotional gesture, Liverpool have confirmed that no player will wear the No. 20 shirt again at any level of the club, including the men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
“It was the number he wore with pride and distinction, leading us to countless victories in the process – and Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool Football Club’s number 20,” the club said in a statement.
The former Wolves attacker made 182 appearances for the Reds after joining in 2020, scoring 65 goals and helping the club to four trophies, including the Premier League title in the 2024–25 season, Liverpool’s 20th league crown.
The decision to retire his shirt number came after consultation with his wife, Rute, and their family. Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football, Michael Edwards, described the move as unprecedented in the club’s history.
“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual,” Edwards said. “By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.”
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
The Portuguese international becomes the first player in Liverpool history to have his number retired, a mark of just how much he meant to those inside and outside the club.
The No. 20 shirt had previously been worn by the likes of Adam Lallana, Javier Mascherano, and Stig Inge Bjornebye, but it was the current generation’s number 20 who gave it a new legacy through his goals, passion, and connection with the fans.
Liverpool return to action for the first time since his passing on Sunday, when they face Preston North End in a pre-season friendly at Deepdale. A number of tributes are planned before kick-off, including a minute’s silence, virtual fan messages, and a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Club owners John Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon and CEO Billy Hogan released a joint message: “The fact that in the long and storied history of our club this honour has never previously been bestowed shows the significance of Diogo to Liverpool Football Club.”
“Our love goes to Rute, his three beautiful children and his family as they continue to grieve the loss of Diogo and André.”
His impact at Liverpool went far beyond goals and trophies. The Portuguese forward was loved for his humble personality, tireless work rate, and the joy he brought to teammates and supporters alike.
Forever Our Number 20.
