Liverpool Football Club have announced that the No. 20 shirt will be permanently retired in honour of their former striker Diogo Jota, following his tragic death earlier this month.
The decision, described by the club as a “unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person,” marks the first time in Liverpool’s history that a squad number has been retired. It applies across all levels of the club: men’s, women’s and academy teams.
Jota – who tragically passed away alongside his brother, André Silva, in a car crash in northern Spain on July 3 – wore the No. 20 shirt with distinction during his five years at Anfield. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances after joining from Wolves in 2020 and was widely adored by teammates and fans alike.
“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.”
Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Liverpool emphasised the deep emotional connection he built with teammates, staff, and supporters.
“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, but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them,” the club added.
The club CEO Michael Edwards reflected on the emotional nature of the decision:
“As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way. It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.”
“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.”
“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.”
On Friday, Jota’s family including his wife, Rute were joined by Liverpool players and staff at a memorial outside Anfield, where thousands of fans have paid their respects since news of his passing.
It is a powerful and lasting symbol of Diogo Jota’s legacy at Liverpool: a footballer of immense quality and a person who meant so much more. The No. 20 shirt, now forever etched in Anfield folklore, where a beloved chant by the Kop faithful will live long.
“Ohhh, he wears the number 20,
He will take us to victory,
And when he’s running down the left wing,
He’ll cut inside and score for LFC,
He’s a lad from Portugal,
Better than Figo don’t you know,
Ohhh, his name is Diogo!”
