Liverpool, UK – Liverpool Football Club has announced it will retire Diogo Jota’s iconic number 20 shirt following the tragic death of the Portugal forward and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash earlier this month.
The emotional tribute marks the first time in the club’s storied history that a player’s shirt number has been retired across all levels, including LFC Women and the Academy.
“After consultation with his wife, Rute, and family, the club can announce the squad number will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels,” read a statement released by the club on Friday.
Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards called the decision “a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person,” noting that it is an unprecedented move in the annals of the club.
Jota, 27, died alongside his brother Andre Silva when the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off a road in northern Spain and burst into flames. The accident occurred just 11 days after Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. He leaves behind three young children.
Liverpool will play their first match since the July 3 tragedy this Sunday in a pre-season friendly against Preston North End. The 2:00 PM GMT kickoff will be preceded by a series of solemn tributes:
- A special rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will be played.
- Preston will lay a wreath in front of the visiting Liverpool supporters.
- A minute’s silence will be observed.
- Players from both teams will wear black armbands.
- Digital tributes will be displayed on stadium screens and advertising boards.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and several first-team players, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, were among those who attended Jota’s funeral last Saturday.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and quickly endeared himself to fans with his work rate, eye for goal, and quiet leadership. Known as much for his humility as his talent, he was an integral part of Liverpool’s attacking line-up during the Jurgen Klopp era and had recently become a senior figure in the dressing room.
As tributes pour in from across the footballing world, the decision to retire his number 20 jersey ensures Jota’s legacy at Anfield will endure.
Written by Were Kelly
