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Liverpool retires Diogo Jota’s No. 20 shirt to honor late forward’s legacy

Tuesday 08 July 2025 - 08:50
Liverpool retires Diogo Jota’s No. 20 shirt to honor late forward’s legacy
By: Dakir Madiha
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Liverpool Football Club has announced it will retire Diogo Jota’s iconic No. 20 shirt, marking an unprecedented gesture in the club’s history to honor the Portuguese star’s enduring legacy.

A tragic loss

Jota, 28, tragically passed away along with his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. The devastating news sent shockwaves through the football world, with Liverpool fans rallying in grief and calling on the club to memorialize the player who had become a beloved figure at Anfield.

A number steeped in meaning

The No. 20 shirt, synonymous with Jota’s identity, also holds historical significance for Liverpool, coinciding with the club’s milestone 20th league title. Jota played a pivotal role in securing that championship during the 2024–25 season, including delivering the decisive goal in the Merseyside derby against Everton—what would tragically become the final goal of his career.

In response to the overwhelming emotional outpouring, Liverpool confirmed that no player will wear the No. 20 shirt again, making it the first jersey number retired in the club’s storied history. This decision echoes similar tributes in football, such as Manchester City retiring Marc-Vivien Foé’s No. 23 after his untimely passing.

Celebrating a Liverpool legend

Jota’s contributions to Liverpool extended far beyond his performances on the pitch. Fans, players, and club officials alike remember him not only as a talented forward but also as a player who embodied passion and determination.

“To arrive at this particular season with the title I’ve been chasing for a lot of years, and in the best league in the world – for me, where I dreamed to play as a kid – it’s a moment I will cherish forever,” Jota said after Liverpool’s 2024–25 title win.

While the Premier League has yet to confirm whether the retirement will be officially recognized, Liverpool fans are adamant that the No. 20 should never be worn again.

“The fact that he died as a Liverpool player, and also on the way to the UK to show up for pre-season, hurts even more. Forever a Liverpool legend,” one fan wrote on social media. Another added, “I don’t think any player would want to wear the shirt out of respect.”

Jota’s legacy as a Liverpool legend is now immortalized, ensuring his contributions and memory will live on forever in the hearts of the club’s supporters.



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