Liverpool Retires Jersey No. 20 in Tribute to Late Diogo Jota

Liverpool FC has officially retired the number 20 jersey in honour of Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident on July 3. The announcement was made on Friday, as the club paid tribute to the Portuguese forward’s impact on and off the pitch.

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020, wore the number 20 shirt throughout his time at Anfield. In a statement, the club confirmed that no player will wear the number again “across all levels, including LFC Women and the academy.” Liverpool described the decision as a recognition of Jota’s “immeasurable contribution” to the club’s success over the past five years and the deep emotional bonds he formed with teammates, staff, and supporters.

Jota died alongside his brother, Andre, when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire in Zamora, Spain. The brothers were travelling by car from Porto to Santander, where they planned to board a ferry to England. Reports indicate Jota was en route to join Liverpool’s pre-season training camp. Following a recent minor surgical procedure, doctors had advised him against flying, prompting him to travel by sea instead.

The tragedy occurred less than two weeks after Jota married longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple, engaged since 2022, had three children together.