Liverpool Football Club has announced the retirement of Diogo Jota’s number 20 shirt in a deeply moving tribute to the Portugal international, who tragically passed away alongside his brother, André Silva, in a car accident earlier this month.
The decision, made in close consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, marks a historic moment for the club. “This is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual,” said Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s Chief Executive. “It is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.”
Jota’s squad number will be retired across all levels of the club—including the LFC Women and Academy teams—highlighting the lasting impact he had both on and off the pitch.
Liverpool will return to action for the first time since the July 3 tragedy in a pre-season friendly against Preston North End on Sunday. In honor of Jota, several commemorative gestures are planned. The club’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” will be played before kick-off, followed by a minute of silence. Preston will also lay a wreath before the away fans, while digital tributes will appear on stadium screens and pitchside boards. Players from both teams will wear black armbands.
Jota, a father of three, had just married his long-time partner, Rute, 11 days prior to the accident. He and his brother died when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire in northern Spain.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and several first-team players, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, were among the mourners who paid their final respects at Jota’s funeral last weekend.
The retirement of the number 20 shirt stands as a poignant reminder of Jota’s legacy and the profound mark he left on the Liverpool community.
