In an emotional and historic gesture, Liverpool Football Club has announced the retirement of Diogo Jota’s number 20 shirt following the tragic death of the Portugal international and his brother, Andre Silva, in a fatal car crash earlier this month.
The 27-year-old forward, who had become a beloved figure among fans and teammates since joining the Reds from Wolverhampton Wanderers, was killed alongside his brother when the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road and burst into flames in northern Spain on July 3. The devastating news sent shockwaves through the football world.
Following discussions with Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, and his family, the club confirmed on Friday that no Liverpool player—across any level of the club, including the men’s, women’s, and academy teams—will ever wear the number 20 shirt again.
“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, including LFC Women and Academy,” the club stated in an official announcement.
Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the tribute. “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. “Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.”
Jota’s death came just 11 days after he married Rute Cardoso, his long-term partner and mother of their three children. The loss of the young family man has cast a deep pall over the Liverpool community, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from supporters, teammates, and figures across the footballing world.
As Liverpool prepares to return to the pitch for the first time since the tragedy, the club has planned a series of moving commemorations ahead of their pre-season friendly against Preston North End on Sunday.
Prior to the 1400 GMT kick-off, a rendition of the club’s iconic anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will echo around the stadium. Preston, in a show of solidarity and respect, will lay a wreath before the away supporters. A minute’s silence will be observed, and players from both teams will wear black armbands. Digital tributes will also be displayed on the big screen and pitchside advertising boards at the venue.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, along with first-team players led by club captain Virgil van Dijk, attended Jota’s funeral last Saturday, standing in unity with his grieving family and loved ones.
Diogo Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s attacking setup. Known for his sharp instincts, versatility, and relentless work ethic, he scored crucial goals and helped the club to domestic and international success during his time at Anfield.
The decision to retire his number reflects the depth of affection he inspired within the Liverpool family—not only as a footballer of immense talent, but as a man cherished for his character and humility.
As Liverpool and its fans prepare to carry on in the face of this loss, the absence of Diogo Jota will be felt both on and off the field. But in retiring the number 20 shirt, the club has ensured that his legacy will endure—forever etched into the soul of Liverpool FC.
What You Should Know
– On July 11, 2025, Liverpool announced the retirement of Diogo Jota’s No. 20 shirt across all club levels in honor of the Portuguese forward, who died in a car crash on July 3.
– The decision, a first in Liverpool’s history, was made with Jota’s wife, Rute, and family, as a tribute to his legacy.
– Jota and his brother Andre died in a Lamborghini crash in northern Spain, 11 days after his marriage.
– Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against Preston on July 13 will feature tributes, including a minute’s silence, a wreath, and “You’ll Never Walk Alone,”.
– The tribute aligns with football governance changes, like UEFA’s multi-club rulings, and global events, such as Nigeria’s ADC coalition.
