Liverpool to Retire Number 20 in Memory of Diogo Jota
Liverpool Football Club has announced the retirement of the number 20 jersey across all levels of the club, including the women’s team and academy, in honor of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car crash alongside his brother, André Silva, on July 3, 2025. The decision, made in consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, ensures that Jota will forever remain “Liverpool’s number 20.”
In a heartfelt statement, the club highlighted Jota’s immense contributions during his five years with the Reds, where he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances. Jota played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2022 FA Cup and League Cup triumphs, the 2024 League Cup victory, and the club’s 20th Premier League title in the 2024/25 season. Beyond his on-pitch achievements, the club emphasized Jota’s profound personal impact on teammates, staff, and fans, noting the “everlasting connections” he forged.
Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, Michael Edwards, described the move as a historic first for Liverpool, stating, “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.” The decision reflects the overwhelming sentiment of supporters, who had called for the gesture to honor Jota’s legacy.
The tragic accident occurred on the A-52 highway in Zamora, Spain, when a tyre blowout caused the Lamborghini Jota and his brother were traveling in to veer off the road and catch fire. Jota, advised against flying due to recent minor surgery, was en route from Porto to Santander to catch a ferry back to England for Liverpool’s pre-season training. The brothers’ funeral was held on July 5 in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, attended by a large Liverpool contingent, including captain Virgil van Dijk, manager Arne Slot, and teammates.
On July 11, Rute Cardoso, Jota’s wife and mother of their three children, joined family members and Liverpool players at Anfield to pay tribute. The couple had married just 11 days before the accident. The club marked the occasion with a poignant social media post at 20:20 BST, captioned “Forever our number 20,” accompanied by a video celebrating Jota’s contributions. Fans continue to leave flowers, scarves, and messages at Anfield, ensuring Jota’s legacy endures.
